Prof. Fotios Spyropoulos
Criminal Law - Faculty of Law, Philips University, Strovolos, Cyprus

Title: Technoethics: From "Hackers' Ethics" to a Re-definition in a "Hybrid" Criminal World.

Abstract: In the rapidly evolving ‘Hybrid’ World, every new innovation introduces complex ethical dilemmas, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The rise of AI-driven technologies challenges traditional ethical frameworks, necessitating the development of new technoethical paradigms that account for the role of AI in decision-making and behavior. As AI systems increasingly influence societal norms, they blur the line between human agency and machine autonomy, creating environments where both human and non-human actors share intelligence, agency, and identity across networks (Floridi, 2011; Bostrom, 2014). This article explores these dynamics through the lens of hackers' ethics, positing that the ethical values historically associated with hacking evolve as AI and machine learning (ML) technologies integrate deeper into our networked information society. The article emphasises the need for AI-specific ethical considerations and the growing importance of digital criminology in understanding the role of AI in the global ‘hybrid’ criminal world. We reflect on a reconceptualised technoethical framework that addresses the unique challenges that AI poses in this new socio-technological landscape

Keywords: Technoethics, Hackers’ ethics, Digital Criminology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Digital Ethics

BIO:Dr. Fotios Spyropoulos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5950-3583) is Assistant Professor of Criminal Law - Faculty of Law at PHILIPS UNIVERSITY (Cy). He holds a PhD in Criminal Law and Criminology from the Faculty of Law of the University of Athens and conducted postdoctoral research on the legal treatment of fake news at the University of West Attica.

He also teaches Criminal Law and Criminology at the Greek Open University and at the Hellenic Police Officers’ School. He has collaborated as a professor at undergraduate and postgraduate level with the University of West Attica and the TEI of Western Greece and has given dozens of lectures in Greece as well as at universities abroad as a visiting professor or researcher (e.g. at the ADA University in Azerbaijan).

He has also lectured at scientific conferences in Greece and abroad, published or edited three scientific books and written more than 40 scientific articles in scientific journals. Dr. Fotios Spyropoulos has represented Greece at the European Commission for Consumer Affairs, participated in legislative committees and collaborated with civil society actors at national and supranational level (e.g. with Transparency International as scientific advisor for the Greek EU Presidency in 2014, with INKA as legal advisor, etc.).

His dissertation dealt with the complex issue of the legal treatment of hacking under the supervision of Professor Nestoras Courakis. He was awarded the “Heraclitus II" scholarship for the preparation of his dissertation – he was one of the candidates awarded this degree (10.00 / 10.00). His dissertation was accepted by the Faculty of Law of the University of Athens with “Excellent Unanimously". He studied law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He has completed postgraduate studies in Criminal Law and Litigation (Master) (2006 – 2008) and Criminology (Master with “Excellent”) (2008 – 2010) at the same university. He took courses in law, political science, sociology, criminology and forensics at the University of Liège (Belgium). He also graduated and obtained a degree from the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus.

Dr Fotios Spyropoulos is a member of several scientific associations (e.g. European Society of Criminology, Association of Greek Criminal Lawyers, etc.). Since 2014, he has been a founding member, member of the Board of Directors and Vice President of the Centre for the Study of Crime. Finally, he is a practicing litigation lawyer and managing partner of the firm “SPYROPOULOS LAW FIRM” and has represented his clients in some of the biggest lawsuits of the last decade. He is a member of the Athens Bar Association and a member of the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce as a financial advisor.