Final answer:
Ethics in IT is crucial and covers issues such as corporate responsibility and the ethics of emerging technologies. Professional organizations and businesses develop codes of ethics, which are essential for guiding member conduct and addressing complex ethical considerations in technology use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question as to whether the general public does not understand the critical importance of ethics in Information Technology (IT) and that too much emphasis has been placed on technical issues cannot be definitively answered as true or false without further context. However, it is crucial to recognize the significance of ethics in IT. IT and business ethics cover a range of issues, including corporate responsibility and the ethical implications of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
Professional organizations, such as the IEEE Computer Society, have established codes of ethics which members need to adhere to. These codes cover ethical obligations including software approval standards, safety, and the impact on privacy and the environment. Similarly, businesses also create ethics codes to guide member conduct and address ethical challenges.
Moreover, the importance of understanding and shaping technology in society is underscored by the quick pace of technological change, which often outstrips the ability of societies to adapt. Thus, the development of ethical practices in the realm of emerging technologies and the assessment of corporate social responsibility are substantive issues that need ongoing engagement and understanding by the general public.