Gandhigiri in the Infosphere: A Novel Approach to Information Ethics

The interpretation of the terms ‘information’ and ‘ethics’ is often culturally situated. A common understanding is contingent to facilitating dialogue concerning the novel ethical issues we face during computermediated interactions. Developing a nuanced understanding of information ethics is critical at a point when the number of information and communication technology (ICT)-enabled interactions may soon exceed traditional human interactions. Utilitarianism and deontology, the two major schools of ethics are based in a western perspective. We contribute to the existing discourse on information ethics by arguing for the inclusion of Gandhian notions of non-violence and confrontation. These are particularly relevant to cyberspace, which does not always lend itself to coercion due to legal, political and economic limitations. We address the applicability of ahimsa, satyagraha, and swaraj to cyberspace. We discuss a Gandhian approach to system design. Finally, we use case studies to illuminate the application of Gandhian notions as well as their limitations.