Computer EthicsComputer Ethics

By: Paola ArizaBy: Paola Ariza

Ethics?

Ethic refers to the standards and rules that "should" be followed and it helps us to regulate our conduct in a group or with a set of individuals. Since the term Ethics is a relative term, it is branched under philosophy, which states how users of World Wide Web should make decisions regarding their conduct.

Computer ethics is a new branch of ethics that is growing and changing rapidly as computer technology also grows and develops.

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people. 2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work. 3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.

4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal. 5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.

7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output. 9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the

program you are writing or the system you are designing. 10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure

consideration and respect for your fellow humans

The Ten Commandments On Computer The Ten Commandments On Computer EthicsEthics

Computers are often far more efficient than humans in performing many tasks. In the industrialized world many workers already have been replaced by computerized devices -- bank tellers, auto workers, telephone operators, typists, graphic artists, security guards, assembly-line workers, and on and on. Even professionals like medical doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants and psychologists are finding that computers can perform many of their traditional professional duties quite effectively.

Why do we need computer ethics? 

The growth of the WWW has created several novel legal issues 

The existence of new questions that older laws cannot answer  Traditional laws are

outdated/anachronistic in this world  a more coherent body of law is needed to

govern Internet and computers

Cyber Ethics

• the most common problem isn't hacking (illegally accessing Web sites) or cracking (vandalizing Web sites); It's the unauthorized downloading of games and software.

• the average hacker is likely to be a teenager and given that most homes now have at least one computer

Code of Ethics Information stored on the computer should be

treated as seriously as written or spoken word.

Privacy should not be violated. In case of academic use, it is known plagiarism.

Information from public viewing should not be modified or deleted or inaccessible since these are considered as destructive acts.

Intrusive software such as "worms" and "viruses" which are destructive to the computer system is also illegal.

Congesting somebody’s system with a lot of unwanted information is also unethical.

Sending obscene and crude messages through mail or chat is also forbidden.

Sending sexually explicit content, message or pictures is also forbidden.

Ethics is a set of moral principles that govern individual or a group on what is acceptable behaviour while using a computer. Computer ethics is set of moral principles that govern the usage of computers. One  of the common issue of computer ethics is violation of copyright issues. Duplicating the copyrighted content without the authors approval , accessing  personal information of others are some of the examples that violate ethical principles.

Ethical rules for computer users  Do not use computer to harm other users.    Do not use computers to steal other's information.    Do not access files without the permission of owner.    Do not copy copyrighted softwares without the authors permission.    Always respect copyright laws and policies.    Respect the privacy of others, just as you expect the same from

others.    Do not use other user's computer resources with out their permission.    Use Internet ethically.    Complain about illegal communication and activities, if found, to

Internet service Providers and local law enforcement authorities.    Users are responsible for safeguarding their User Id and passwords.

They should not write them on paper or anywhere else for remembrance.

   Users should not intentionally use the computers to retrieve or modify the information of others which may include password information, files etc.

References

• Stanford Encyclopedia Of Philosophy

• Computers Professionals For Social Responsibility

• Computer Ethics - code of ethics in computing

• Computer Ethics — Information Security Education and Awareness