Reducing risks when creating IT products: Developing integrity criteria for IT entities

The article examines the nature and essence of conscientious behaviour by IT entities willing to guarantee the production of high-quality IT products within the framework of projects and minimise the likelihood of undesirable consequences for all participants and other stakeholders. To achieve this goal, the article analyses the signs of good faith and unfair behaviour by parties involved in relationships, including judicial practice related to protecting rights against unfair conduct by counterparties. Based on this research, criteria were formulated for the integrity of IT entities, such as the absence of intent to cause material harm to interested parties and the existence of an effective risk management system. It was discovered that the intent to harm is not only characterised by the current practices of IT companies (including the use of clearly onerous terms in contracts, the deliberate violation of existing legislation, and the exploitation of the ignorance of transaction participants), but also by the unfair actions taken in previous transactions. It was also found that responsibility for taking preventative measures to reduce risks is assigned to the parties involved in producing an IT product. In particular, research has shown that if IT companies do not proactively influence other companies before entering into agreements, there may be no universal risks. However, during the course of work, the parties may face compliance issues that could negatively impact project goals and lead to significant financial losses for those parties.