Economic Impacts

IT has created a wide variety of jobs and IT skills are now required by almost every job. Due to internet access people are able to work and communicate from within the confines of their own home. This made home working a popular option.

Since computer hardware develops at a rapid pace, there are problems arising such as how to deal with old computers that have been replaced by a newer computer. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive or WEEE Directive are responsible for getting rid of old and unwanted electrical equipment in a less harmful way.

Ethical Impacts

Personal privacy has become an issue since you have to put in your personal information on computers in order to have access to certain areas on the internet. Personal information relating to individuals held on computers is covered by the Data Protection Act.

Almost everything you do, everywhere you go can be recorded on the computer, e.g. your medical records. They are recorded on the computer so that you and possibly other people can see what your personal life consists of.

Unequal Access Implication

There are people who can't get broadband Internet access due to terrible connections. There are other problems such as elderly people having trouble adjusting to the new technology, and they may continue to struggle as banking and utility services become more Internet based.

Internet products and services are cheaper and easier to access. If you were to have an account with an electricity or gas supplier, they will offer you discounts for either being with them for a long time or for just choosing them.