We have computers, smartphones, and other digital devices at our disposal, along with the almost-instant access to information that the internet provides. As seamless technology usage and access to information is integrated in our everyday life, computer ethics is also introduced. Computer ethics is understanding the appropriate, safe, and sensitive uses of technology (i.e. personal data, online harassment). With the knowledge of these computer ethics principles, each digital citizen is empowered to make positive choices and to actively refrain from irresponsible behavior that negatively impacts the digital world. Computer ethics simply makes the digital world a better place for the thoughtful and considerate digital citizen.
Table of Contents
What is Computer Ethics?
Computer ethics is about the moral principles, guidelines, and standards of practice connected to the responsible and respectful use of computers, information systems, and digital technologies by individuals and organizations. This includes digital privacy and security, intellectual property, acceptable online behavior, and responsible use of technology.
Origins/History of Computer Ethics
The discipline of computer ethics gained attention during the Second World War. At MIT, professor Norbert Wiener was developing various cybernetics systems that he foresaw would bear major social and moral implications. In 1950, his book The Human Use of Human Beings was among the first works to review the ethical questions in computing.
By 1973, the Association for Computing Machinery had adopted its first professional code of ethics.
In 1976, Walter Maner, a Bowling Green State University professor, coined the term computer ethics to define this unique field of applied ethics. His efforts motivated philosopher Terrell Ward Bynum to initiate an essay contest on the topic. The winning essay-What Is Computer Ethics? by James Moor-was published in a 1985 special issue entitled Computers and Ethics. According to Moor, the field of computer ethics deals with:
• Identifying policy gaps created by computer technology
• Explanation of concepts that might have been vague or unclear
• Developing policies for the responsible use of computers
• Ethically analyzing those policies
The same year, Deborah Johnson published Computer Ethics, which quickly became a foundational textbook and shaped the field for years.
The focus of computer ethics has changed due to the internet. Some said it could displace traditional ethics in the end, but many philosophers think otherwise. Johnson thinks that computers do not raise any new moral problems; on the contrary, computers bring along old dilemmas in modern scenery and press for novelty applications of already set moral norms. Herman Tavani also agrees with this theory. He sends modern digital controversies through classic ethical theories.
10 Commandments of Computer Ethics
The Computer Ethics Institute gave the world the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics, which served as the benchmark for responsible digital conduct:
- Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
- Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.
- Thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s files.
- Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
- Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
- Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software without paying for it.
- Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization.
- Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.
- Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the programs you create.
- Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for others.
Importance of Computer Ethics
Some of the activities we do online have consequences on people, companies, and communities. Computer ethics puts focus on the importance of:
- Personal accountability for all uses of technology
- Protection against the risks of cybercrime
- Recognition of privacy and respect for people’s ideas
- Minimization of the chances for people to get threatened or attacked
- Equitable, protected communication online
Problems and Unethical Computing
Technology use in the digital world is not always in accordance with the guiding principles of computer ethics. Whenever people misuse computers or the internet either because they do not know better, or willfully, they create risks that can adversely affect individuals, organizations, and even entire online communities. Unethical computing practices erode trust, compromise privacy, jeopardize systems, and infringe upon the rights of others. All digital citizens should be aware of common problems, because unethical behavior cannot be avoided or minimized without recognition.
1. Cyberbullying
Having no respect for digital space is cyberbullying – a serious offence in digital ethics. Digital harassment and intimidation via social platforms, messaging apps, or online games. Doing so is a digital crime since cyberbullying creates a hostile and unsafe digital environment and is an emotional attack against victims, which often causes trauma and damages their reputations.
2.Phishing
Deception in digital communications such as emails, texts, or websites in order to obtain personal or financial information falls into the realm of unethical computing practices. Phishing is an attack and not an ethical computing practice, as ethical computing revolves around protecting honesty and building trust. Phishing, identity theft, and financial loss are all direct outcomes.
3. Hacking
If you engage in skipping digital rights violating computer ethics, categorically, this is an unethical action in computer ethics. Ethical computing values and maintains the right to the digital space’s privacy and property, and this is where all malicious data theft, change , or loss in the digital environment stem from.
4. Spamming
Spamming goes against sound computing ethics as it entails the huge wastage of digital resources. The intentional waste of people’s time and potential threats to remove the obstacle creates a digital environment where ethical computing does not exist for the benefit of all.
5. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is when you use someone work, photos, code, or ideas without permission. This is considered an ethical violation in school and other places that have computers. Computers teach you that work done virtually deserves the same consideration as work done on paper. Stealing work from creators is harmful and breaks trust.
6. Intellectual Property Violations
Illegally distributing copyrighted software, movies, music, or video games is unethical in the realm of computers. In ethical computing, the rights of the creators and the laws that protect their work must always be respected. If you pirate copyrighted work, you steal from the creators, harming many industries and stopping innovation.
7. Internet Privacy Violations
A very big concern in ethical computing is how personal information is handled. Violations of internet privacy happened when someone or some organization collects, follows, or shares others’ information without their permission. In ethical computing, you always must be transparent, have their permission, and safely manage their information. Trust is lost when people misuse sensitive information, this can lead to identity theft and other things.
Examples of Computer Ethics in Daily Life
- Not using or distributing pirated software
- Avoiding plagiarism in any written assignments
- Respecting the privacy of other people’s files
- Keeping your accounts safe using strong passwords
- Using social media in a civil manner
- Seeking consent to use other people’s devices
Related Terms
Computer System
A computer system is made up of three parts: hardware and software, which are the physical and non-physical parts of the system, and the people who use and manage them.
Ethical connection: Computer ethics is the responsible and legal use of computer systems. Ethical users do not conduct unauthorized access, misuse hardware, install illegal software, and do anything which can jeopardize the system’s integrity and security.
Information System
An information system is a system which collects, stores, processes, and disseminates data. It can include school information systems, and online banking systems, and can include health information systems.
Ethical connection: Information system contains data and information that have serious ethical implications. Computer ethics explains the right and appropriate way organizations and individuals ought to handle data.
Information Technology (IT)
IT is the use of computers and other networks in storing, retrieving or transferring data.
Ethical connection: Ethical IT practices are those which ensure that data are handled securely, which is to avoid cybercrimes and unethical practices. IT professionals are expected to adhere ethical practices in security, data protection and the intellectual property, and in the use of other resources.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
ICT is about communication systems, which includes computers, mobile communication devices, and the Internet, and email.
Ethical connection: Issues like responsible communication, cyberbullying, misinformation, and the legal and respectful use of digital communication tools fall under ICT ethics.
Human–Computer Interaction (HCI)
HCI analyzes how computer use and design are integrated within people’s activities.
Ethical connection: HCI Interface outputs as un ethically designed and undistorted such as ‘dark pattern’ design, unhindered privacy, and un protective technology.
Computer Science
This field centers around the study of systems and algorithms, programming and theories of computation.
Ethical connection: Ethical computer science cannot have negative implications, such as snakes, for the technology created. Ethical concerns like algorithmic bias, harmful AI, and invisibility of harmful software are all ways computer science can have negative implications.
Case Study
The use of technology and ethics’ case study by real-life example.
Ethical connection: Students learn un straightforward ethical issues from case studies, such as privacy violation, hacking, and data misuse. They help students think of and recognize ethical behavior and troublesome behavior intertwined with technology. Harmful AI, and invisibility of harmful software are all ways computer science can have negative implications.
Proprietary Software
Software that cannot be copied, changed, and distributed freely. Examples of this are Windows and Microsoft Office.
Ethical connection: Computer ethics are to be adhered by software piracy and license violations. Illegal copying, cracking, or sharing of proprietary software is an ethical connection computer users must respect.
Usability Evaluation
An evaluation of how user-friendly, user-centered, and easy to use a piece of software or a website is.
Ethical connection: Ethically designed systems need to ensure that systems’ accessibility and ease of use requires no undue effort from the user, and no manipulative design to confuse and trick the user.
Web Engineering
The field of designing and maintaining websites and their associated web applications.
Ethical connection: Web engineers must adhere to ethical principles such as safe and secure coding, data protection, data accuracy, and no deceptive design or web practices.
Hacking the School Computer Lab
A student figured out a teacher’s password and used it to log into their account and change grades.
Ethical connection: This is a classical example of computer ethics violation of:
- Hacking – accessing systems without permission
- Privacy violation – accessing information that is confidential
- Misuse of resources – using the school’s systems inappropriately for personal objectives
Lesson Learned– Respectable Conduct in the Digital World & This is behaving in an honest, responsible, and ethical manner.
This case shows that computer ethics is necessary for:
- Trust in systems
- Protection of personal and organizational information
- Equity and accountability in Iniscap systems
Conclusion
As technology grows, the importance of computer ethics in the digital world grows as well, and so the importance of using technology responsibly, not violating privacy, and protecting information also grows as well. We can minimize the harm caused to the internet and keep it safe, by following the 10 commandments of computer ethics, as well as avoiding unethically behaviors such as hacking, plagiarism, and cyberbullying. For strong skills in information technology and ethical understanding, you can visit LetsLearn IT Training & Computer Training Institute.
Frequently Asked Question
1.What is computer ethics?
Computer ethics are the guidelines, principles, and expectations that govern the appropriate and responsible use of computers and digital technologies.
2.What is cyber ethics in nepal?
Cyber ethics in Nepal is the responsible conduct of individuals when individuals are guided by laws such as the Electronic Transaction Act (ETA) 2008 in relation to cyber privacy, cybercrime, digital transactions, and the safe utilization of the internet.
3. What are the 5 basic computer ethics?
– Use a computer and do no harm to others.
– Do not steal.
– Do not misuse information.
– Maintain privacy.
– Respect the ideas of others.
– Use a computer in a reasonable and lawful manner.
4. What are the 5 importance of computer ethics?
– Protects the individual from the dangers of computer crime.
– Guarantees privacy.
– Fosters the responsible and correct usage of technology.
– Stops the harmful use of digital information and devices.
– Enhances online equity and respect.
5. What are the 4 concepts of ethics?
– Truthfulness.
– Accountability.
– Consideration.
– Justice.
5. What are the 4 concepts of ethics?
– Truthfulness.
– Accountability.
– Consideration.
– Justice.
6. Who is the father of computer ethics?
Norbert Wiener
7. What are the four different kinds computer ethics?
- Ethics of privacy
- Ethics of accuracy
- Ethics of property
- Ethics of accessibility
8. What is the act of shutting down or abusing a website or computer network by unethical means?
This is an example of a cyberattack which would include hacking, or also includes DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service).
