Ethics is a product of a long biological evolutionary process. The ethical principles might have helped adapt and survive during the harsh climate regime of the Pleistocene period. Thus, reason (science) and social behaviour (ethics) evolved together as primate brains enlarged. The evolution of ethics is an essential social trend and has touched upon all human beings’ social activities. The present article discusses the ethical content of Indian philosophy, as conceived by ancient seers and subsequent reinterpretation by social reformers of the Middle Ages. The extent to which ethical values are embedded within the contemporary aspects of modern civilisation is touched upon. The importance of ethics in Indian philosophy can be traced to the theological belief and the form of ideals and principles that have directed human life in early society. The aim of ethics was to strengthen human society for survival and peaceful co-existence. The significance of the concept of ethics has changed with changing periods in history. The Upanishadic ethics are primarily atman-centric and exhort individual liberation, irrespective of other social and moral obligations. The central concept of ethics in Rig Veda is a unifying order pervading all things of the world. Bhagavat-Gita emphasises Karma-yoga (non-attachment to the fruits of the work) and Gnana-yoga (through devotion, renunciation, and self-surrender) for attaining Supreme Bliss. Also, some of the statements in Buddhist scriptures and treaties may be explained as embodying ethical claims. Ethical perception in Jainism stands for proper knowledge, right faith and right conduct. From the point of ethical consideration, the dangerous trend of institutional growth of large corporations that often transcend national boundaries, their assets and income exceeds that of many national governments, pose a threat to the sovereignty and monetary stability of many poorer countries. The new media technologies for social networking and online social networks have created a sense of universal availability and entitlement of information and are considered monolithic. Social media ethics needs a set of ethical guidelines to ensure that the platforms’ users conduct themselves responsibly and ethically.