ETHICAL ISSUES OF DIGITAL PRIVACY LEAKAGE OF COUNSELEE INFORMATION IN SETTINGS COMMUNITY COUNSELING

ETHICAL ISSUES OF DIGITAL PRIVACY: LEAKAGE OF

COUNSELEE INFORMATION IN SETTINGS COMMUNITY

COUNSELING

Introduction

Technology continues to develop in line with the era of globalization. The modern 21st

century is under the digital era or industrial revolution. This is described by a very rapid

increase in technology (Herman Nirwana, 2021). This has an impact on significant changes

in various aspects of life that increasingly support fast and instant access through digital

media. One of the major changes taking place is the development of information and

communication technology, which is accelerated by efforts to provide convenience for

individuals from various backgrounds behind to access information quickly and instantly.

Various sectors are starting to adapt to this technological development. (Devi, 2022).

Counseling is one of the most prestigious professions in the current developmental era

because it is closely related to issues of human development and how humans act in their

social climate (Kushendar et al., 2018). Counselors are a profession that plays a very

important role for the benefit of humanity (Ardimen, 2018). Counselors are dynamic

professions that continue to adapt to social dynamics and changes and developments

(Sholihah et al., 2019). In line with technological developments, the approach to providing

services requires efficient innovation, so that prospective counselees feel comfortable to

seek counseling assistance voluntarily, so that the practice of online counseling as part of

cybercounseling becomes commonplace. Cybercounseling is a promising alternative to

replace direct or face-to-face counseling services (Hidayah, 2020). Various forms of online

counseling services, referred to as cybercounseling, can come in a variety of innovative e-

counseling media such as websites, email, video conferencing, chat, instant messaging,

computers, and other web-based networks. All of these continue to experience rapid

development and can be accessed easily through their respective mobile devices (Syamila &

Marjo, 2022). Cybercounseling is an innovative work in counseling services because of the

rapid development of technology and the increasing need for counseling (Ayub et al., 2022).

Cybercounseling services can be conducted in various community settings. Counseling in

community settings can easily reach out to counselees about their life problems and

dynamics with empathy and closeness. The purpose of community counseling is to facilitate

the development of the mental health of the counselee, both personally and in the context of

the community as a whole. This means that the counselor's role is not only focused on

individual development, but also involves efforts to create positive changes in the

community environment. Counseling in community settings has a broad scope as it can

affect transformation at the community level and improve the overall conditions of the

community living environment (Nurmaulidya et al., 2021).

Cybercounseling does have its advantages in terms of reaching out to counselees. However,

in addition to having advantages, cybercounseling also has a number of disadvantages.

There are debates around the drawbacks and hurdles that arise in the context of online

counseling. Some of the challenges that arise in cybercounseling involve aspects such as

privacy, qualifications, experience, and the counselor's level of understanding of the

counseling profession's code of ethics. There are also obstacles related to basic technical

issues of using information technology, such as the ability to operate video conferencing

applications. One other important obstacle is missing non-verbal cues in online

communication, which are fundamental to developing an effective therapeutic relationship

with the counselee. All This limitation can hinder the smoothness and effectiveness of

achieving goals in counseling (Munawaroh et al., 2021). The personal quality of the

counselor will also determine the effectiveness of a counseling achievement (Suhendra,

2016).

Literature Review

Ethics is the study of the principles of value systems that generally apply in a society,

culture and various disciplines that have a bearing on human life. In addition, ethics

addresses the norms of human interaction and the consideration of the good and bad aspects

of an action or behavior. When it comes to judging appropriate or inappropriate actions and

behaviors, it is all about how individuals use their knowledge and purpose. Ethical values

are a form of ethical regulations formulated as guidelines for practitioners in the field of

guidance and counseling so that they can be applied practically and legally recognized by

the government (Nurmaulidya et al., 2021).

The influence of the rapidly developing information and communication technology society

5.0 tends to be artificial intelligence that is able to collect millions of data through the

internet for all fields of life. Privacy is an important point to live a digital life. Privacy is

defined as the space of each individual. Privacy as a social value regulates and limits

individual social life (Bimantoro et al., 2021). Digital ethics is a set of rules and procedures

created in order to reduce the harm caused by the use of digital technology (Ayu et al.,

2022). So, digital privacy ethics are rules created to reduce the misuse of digital technology

and protect individual personal information.

Ethics are always inherent in a profession. A profession cannot be separated from ethics.

This is because ethics is closely related to orma, values, and obligations (Hunainah, 2016).

Profession must be combined with expertise and ethics. Ethics are norms and values that

should be practiced and should not be practiced. Practical ethics provide guidance to

individuals in taking action, provide direction regarding appropriate behavior, determine

what is allowed or not allowed to be done, determine actions that should be taken correctly,

and others (Jannah & Marjo, 2022). The values of behavior adopted by counselors in

carrying out their duties to provide guidance and counseling to counselees are known as

counselor professional ethics (Sujadi, 2018).

Ethics is important in counseling interactions. Ethical behavior applied by professional

counselors in providing counseling services to counselees is described in the professional

code of ethics in the field of guidance and counseling (Lesmana, 2022). The professional

code of ethics in guidance and counseling is a principle that cannot be separated from the

counselor's life. Since college, counselors have been given an understanding and practical

application of the counselor's professional code of ethics, both in theory and practice

(Rahardjo & Kusmanto, 2017). Application A counselor's code of ethics can increase the

level of accountability and integrity in the counseling context (Masruri, 2016).

Digital Counseling

The term digital counseling is often referred to as cyber counseling. Cyber counseling refers

to counseling practices that are conducted virtually through the use of technological

innovations. In cyber counseling, counselors communicate with their counselees through

electronic devices or the internet, creating a professional dimension to the service

(Prasetiawan, 2016). According to (Zamroni & Rahardjo, 2015), cyber counseling or

counseling with virtual media is a counseling process that uses virtual media, without

meeting in person. This means that cyber counseling can also be referred to as online

counseling which is done by utilizing technology and communication media.

Cyber counseling is a breakthrough that needs to be implemented because of the high

number of counselees who need help (counselors) to obtain alternative solutions to the

problems faced. This is proven by the high number of counselees who conduct virtual

counseling. Cyber counseling is seen as a practical and efficient solution, because it can

conduct counseling sessions without meeting face to face. This will certainly help

counselees who are introverted. Cyber counseling will make it easier for counselees to

express the problems they experience more freely (Devi, 2022).

Information Leakage In A Digital Setting

Information leakage in a digital setting is also known as cybercrime. Cybercrime is a crime

that arises due to the negative impact of the development of the internet (Kataren, 2016).

Cybercrime is one of the forms of crime today that arises from the rapid development of

technology. Cybercrime is a negative consequence of technological advances that will

adversely affect all areas of modern life today. Cybercrime is an unlawful act through the

internet media that highlights the sophistication of computer technology,

telecommunications, and utilizes information technology (Raodia, 2019).

Definition Of Community Counseling

The focus of community counseling services is on individual and group conditions in the

context of the community. Community counseling emphasizes individuals or groups who

need help on an ongoing basis to ensure the provision of services that are safe, supportive,

and encourage positive change in the community environment (Naqiyah, 2021). Community

counseling is a counseling service that focuses on community involvement in a community

network. The purpose of community counseling is to provide support to individuals and

their communities in overcoming problems that arise in their environment. With the support

of the community, individuals in the community are assisted to live more productively and

provide preventive efforts for potential problems (Suryahadikusumah, 2017).

Research Methods

The research method used is literature analysis. The literature analysis method is a technique

used to collect information that is expected to complement something that is being explored.

Literature study is a technique of collecting information by reading, reviewing, and

processing the data for research. The data that has been collected will be processed and

analyzed to produce conclusions or findings (Habsy, 2017).

Results And Discussion

Leakage of counselee information cannot be separated from digital counseling. Data leakage

and data hacking are concerns when data entry is done online (Ursula & Abda, 2021).

Counselees may initiate sensitive personal discussions. However, interaction on the internet

carries the risk of information leakage, such as: 1). discussions between counselors and

counselees can be recorded and disseminated without the knowledge of the counselor or

other group members in the group service; 2). Matters discussed in conversations on social

media can be transcribed and shared, by other group members, or even by the individuals

themselves; 3). the many elements provided require counselors to understand the technology

thoroughly, in addition to counselors not having the ability to monitor exactly who is

actually present in their virtual space. For example, individuals who secretly send their

private conversations to others unknowingly. This may lead to norm violations. In addition,

the counselor may have a desire to consult with a particular expert regarding the individual's

issues. Although unintentional, copying private texts from counselees can result in potential

ethical violations (Syamila & Marjo, 2022).

There are several risks that may occur in online counseling, such as internet network

interruptions, software incompatibility with computer devices, or power supply

interruptions, which can hinder the smooth running of the counseling session. Counselors

need to pay attention to any factors that may distract from the online counseling process and

result in possible risks. If the counselor does not carefully consider these aspects, not only

the course of the counseling process may be hampered, but also the risk of facing more

serious problems (Daulay et al., 2022).

The worse risk of online counseling is data leakage. Data leakage is prone to occur when

using online media. For example, zoom media. The reason is, data leakage is the

shortcoming of zoom that many people fear the most. Currently, news about data leakage has

become a serious concern, both inside and outside United States and has spread in various

circles. Data leakage is not This is a trivial matter, as data that is vulnerable to hacking can

result in the risk of loss of individuals' personal information. Hackers have the potential to

access very important information such as business data, education, and photos, which can

then be easily disseminated through social media platforms. Moreover, if the data is misused

for criminal purposes. (Rahman, 2021).

There are several issues that may arise and are important to consider, including:



Ethical issues involve considerations related to guidelines that counselors and others

should uphold. In the context of ethics, attention is given to: 1). the confidential

aspect, 2). The legitimacy of information, 3). the misuse of computers by

counselors, 4). the counselor's lack of understanding of the counselee's

environment, 5). the balance of access to technology and information flow, 6).

attention to personal privacy, and 7). the credibility of the counselor.



Issues in creating a counseling relationship, concerning issues related to the face-to-

face relationship between the counselor and the counselee as a consequence of the

implementation of online counseling (Sari & Marjo, 2022).

The issue of data leakage in online counseling can be prevented by knowing the ethics in

counseling services as follows (Haryati, 2020).

 The Counselor Informs the Counselee of the Conditions in Online Counseling

Counselors who conduct online counseling are responsible for providing

explanations regarding various arrangements and requirements in the context of

online guidance and counseling services to prospective counselees. Knowledge,

understanding, and acceptance of such information are urgent for prospective

counselees.

 Counselor Informs the Confidentiality Aspect of Online Counseling to the

Counselee

Counselors must have a strong determination to maintain the confidentiality of the

counselee. This has been explicitly stipulated in the profession's set of professional

principles. The counselor should explain to the counselee about the confidentiality

aspect, including in the context of online counseling.

 Counselors Adhering to Legal Aspects, Licensing, and Certification

Counselors must comply with the legal regulations governing the practice of online

counseling. In addition, the counsellor must also have any licenses or permits that

may be required in providing counselling services. Lastly, the counselor must meet

the certifications that are required to open an online counseling service.

Conclusion

The digital era is growing rapidly, the issue of digital privacy is becoming an urgency in the

context of community counseling services. This issue relates to how counselees' personal

data and information is stored, accessed, and protected. Counsellors and organizations

providing counselling services must adhere to strict ethical standards of digital privacy to

maintain the confidentiality of counsellors' information and maintain aspects of trust within

the community. Measures such as data security, access arrangements, regulations on

technology use, and counselor training are key in addressing this issue. By prioritizing

digital privacy ethics, community counseling can maintain the trust of counselees, ensure

information privacy, and protect the integrity of counseling services in the digital age.