1.6 Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Impact Flashcards
(26 cards)
Define ethical
Ethical issues are about what would be considered right and wrong by society. Most professional bodies have a Code of Ethics which members must follow.
Define legal
Legal issues are about what is actually right or wrong in the eyes of the law.
Define cultural
Cultural issues are about how groups of people with particular beliefs, practices or languages may be affected by an issue. Different countries may have different view on character sets, social media, languages and colours.
Define environmental
Environmental issues are about how we impact the natural world.
Define censorship
Censorship is when someone tries to control what other people can access on the Internet. Some countries use censorship to restrict access to information.
Define surveillance
Computer surveillance is when someone monitors what other people accessing on the Internet.
Define cyber bullying
Cyber bullying is when someone uses social media to deliberately harm someone else. This might include intimidation, insulting or humiliating someone else.
Define trolling
Trolling is when someone tries to cause public arguments with others online. Trolls usually do this for their own amusement or to gain attention.
Define health issues
Using technology too much can cause health issues such as eyestrain, repetitive strain injury, back problems and poor posture.
Define viral
Viral is a word used to describe videos, images or messages on the Internet which are rapidly spread over social media and have been seen by millions of people.
Define sharing economy
Sharing economy is the name given to services which use technology to let people make money from things they already own e.g Uber or Airbnb.
Define streaming
Music and television streaming services have allowed their customers to listen and watch media for less money usually through a subscription.
Define digital divide
The digital divide is created by the fact that some people have greater access to technology than others. Can be caused by money, location, internet access, training, disability.
Define global divide
The global divide is created by the fact that the level of access to technology is different in different countries.
Define e-waste
Modern devices have a short lifespan. Most of it ends up in landfill and can be hazardous – toxic chemicals that can leak into the ground and harm wildlife.
Define weee directive
The waste electric and electronic equipment directive was created to tackle the e-waste problem. The WEEE has rules for disposing of e-waste safely.
Define Data Protection Act
The DPA 2018 gives rights to data subjects. They can see, amend and delete personal data held by an organisation. The organisation must follow the six rules of the DPA. The DPA covers what can be collected, how long it can be kept for, steps to keep it up to date, sending and using the data, who can see the data.
Define Copyright, Design and Patent Act 1988
This act was introduced to protect intellectual property – anything someone has created e.g. a novel, a song, a piece of software, a new invention.
Define Computer Misuse Act 1990
This act was introduced to stop hacking and cybercrime. Includes gaining unauthorised access as well as unauthorised modification of computer material.
Define open source
Open source software is software where the source code is made available. Users may legally modify the source code and share it under the same license. It is usually free to download open source software.
Define proprietary software
Proprietary software usually costs. Only the compiled code is released. The license prevents users from modifying or editing the source code.
Define Creative Commons License
Allows people with protected work to allow free distribution of the work.
What are benefits of open source?
Users can edit and customise software freely, usually free, allows collaboration, better versions of the software may appear faster
What are drawbacks of open source?
Relies on support networks, needs expert knowledge, may not have regular updates, may need external support, can be more open to exploitation
