In this chapter, we critically explore ethical challenges that social media platforms encounter when operating internationally. We critically evaluate and discuss the multiple potential divergences between host- and home country context, e.g. with regard to societal expectations on responsible business conduct, or standards and rules, and explore how social media platforms as important elements of digital entrepreneurship can overcome the resulting ethical challenges. We suggest to base decisions on voluntary standard-setting for digital business activity by applying Integrative Social Contracts Theory (ISCT). Building on the distinction of different layers and kinds of social contracts and norms that is sensitive of the pitfalls of ethical relativism and the need for local adaptation, we derive concrete ethical implications for international digital entrepreneurship.
Drawing on the growing body of literature on the ethics of digitalization, surveillance capitalism, and the role of digital entrepreneurship in the global economy, we critically explore the ethical challenges that digital entrepreneurs encounter when operating internationally. We problematize and discuss the multiple potential divergences between host and home country contexts, e.g., with regard to societal expectations on digital entrepreneurs and their responsible business conduct, or standards and rules, and explore how digital entrepreneurs can overcome the resulting ethical challenges. We suggest to base decisions on voluntary standard-setting for digital business activity on the core idea of Integrative Social Contracts Theory (ISCT). Building on the distinction of different layers and kinds of social contracts and norms that is sensitive of the pitfalls of ethical relativism and the need for local adaptation, we derive concrete ethical implications for international digital entrepreneurship.