Abstract

The overall theme for ETHICOMP 99 was “Look to the future of the Information Society”. The aim was to focus on how achievements of the past could be built upon to expand the field and to ensure that the important issues impacting upon society, its citizens and its organisations will be effectively addressed and so help improve the quality of life. The result was a conference rich in reflection, ideas and debate. The papers selected for this special edition illustrate this. What is clear is that as technology advances so the issues that we face become more complex and more far reaching. We must address these issues objectively and in good time. The nature of these issues is such that a multidisciplinary approach is required which is one of the fundamental planks of the ETHICOMP series. The overall thrust of the papers in this edition is one of well founded debate which has much to offer by way of practical advice regarding the issues being addressed.