Ethics of blockchain: A framework of technology, applications, impacts, and research directions

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is fourfold: first, to provide the first systematic study on the ethics of blockchain, mapping its main socio-technical challenges in technology and applications; second, to identify ethical issues of blockchain; third, to propose a conceptual framework of blockchain...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Information technology & people (West Linn, Or.) Or.), 2020-03, Vol.33 (2), p.602-632
Main Authors: Tang, Yong, Xiong, Jason, Becerril-Arreola, Rafael, Iyer, Lakshmi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adequacy
Algorithms
Bank technology
Blockchain
Business models
Cryptography
Digital currencies
Distributed ledger
Distributed processing
Ethical dilemmas
Ethics
Information systems
Information technology
Mapping
Peers
Society
Stakeholders
Technology
Technology utilization
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Summary:PurposeThe purpose of this paper is fourfold: first, to provide the first systematic study on the ethics of blockchain, mapping its main socio-technical challenges in technology and applications; second, to identify ethical issues of blockchain; third, to propose a conceptual framework of blockchain ethics study; fourth, to discuss ethical issues for stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachThe paper employs literature research, research agenda and framework development.FindingsEthics of blockchain and its applications is essential for technology adoption. There is a void of research on blockchain ethics. The authors propose a first theoretical framework of blockchain ethics. Research agenda is proposed for future search. Finally, the authors recommend measures for stakeholders to facilitate the ethical adequacy of blockchain implementations and future Information Systems (IS) research directions. This research raises timely awareness and stimulates further debate on the ethics of blockchain in the IS community.Originality/valueFirst, this work provides timely systematic research on blockchain ethics. Second, the authors propose the first research framework of blockchain ethics. Third, the authors identify key research questions of blockchain ethics. Fourth, this study contributes to the understanding of blockchain technology and its societal impacts.
ISSN:0959-3845
1758-5813
DOI:10.1108/ITP-10-2018-0491