According to IAB's Ethics and the Internet, which action is prohibited?

The action prohibited according to the Internet Architecture Board's (IAB) "Ethics and the Internet" is seeking unauthorized access to internet resources. This prohibition is grounded in fundamental ethical principles that emphasize respect for privacy and the integrity of individuals and systems within the digital environment. Unauthorized access compromises these principles and can lead to significant harm, including data breaches, privacy violations, and a general erosion of trust in online systems.

The IAB’s ethical guidelines are designed to promote responsible behavior among internet users and developers, outlining the importance of adhering to legal and ethical standards within the networked environment. Seeking unauthorized access not only violates these standards but can also have legal repercussions and damage the overall security posture of both individual systems and the larger internet framework.

In contrast, monitoring network traffic is often necessary for security and performance management, using encryption is a best practice for data security, and developing new internet protocols is essential for the evolution and improvement of internet functionalities. These actions align with ethical guidelines when conducted transparently and with appropriate authorization.