1.6 Impact of digital technology Flashcards
Legal issues
Disputes or problems concerning interpretation, application or violation of laws
Examples of legal issues
- Data theft
- Copyrighting
- Hacking
Ethical issues
Situations which raise the question of whether something is right or wrong
Examples of ethical issues
- Digital divide
- Algorithmic bias
- Automation
- Intellectual property
- Hacking
- Personal privacy
- Data security
Cultural issues
Involve the impact of technology on nature and culture
Examples of cultural impacts of technology
- Online shopping
- Streaming
- Sat Nav
- Gaming
- Social media
- Remote work
Cultural issues - digital divide
- Geographical limitations
- Cost limitations
- Lack of skill/education
- Confidence e.g. elderlies
Cultural issues - landscape of employment
- Social isolation
- Time usage management
Cultural issues - censorship
- Restricting access online is based upon beliefs that something is harmful
- Can preserve or limit cultural identity
Environmental issues
Negative impacts on the environment
Examples of environmental issues
- Natural resource extractions
- Natural resource use
- Energy consumption in use
- Energy consumption in manufacturing
- E-waste
- Carbon emissions
Privacy issues
Collecting, accessing or using personal data without consent or control
Privacy issues - facial recognition
- More and better cameras have advantages in crime prevention and detection
- Who is watching?
- Who is being watched?
Privacy issues - GPS
- Where are device locations stored?
- Who can access it?
- How is it being used?
Privacy issues - internet monitoring
- Reduces abuse
- Prevents cyberbullying
- Free speech limitations
- Abuse by authorities
- Privacy invasions
Data protection act (2018)
- Information must be used fairly, lawfully and transparently
- Information must be used for specified, explicit purposes
- Information must in used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary
- Information must be accurate and, where necessary, up to date
- Information must be kept for no longer than is necessary
- Information must be handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage
Computer Misuse Act (1990)
- Unauthorised access to computer material
- Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate a crime
- Unauthorised modification of software or data
- Making, supplying or obtaining anything which can be used in computer misuse offences
The Copyrights, Designs and Patent Act (1998)
- Invention are covered by patents
- Patents prevent anyone else using the invention for 20 years
- Copyright protects books, videos, music and software
- Copyright typically lasts 70 years after publication or an author’s death
- Copyright lets an author or musician decide how their work should be used
Open source software license
- Access to source code to edit/change
- Usually free
- May be able to edit and distribute
Proprietary software license
- Costs money
- Produced by ‘professional’ companies
- More regular official updates/support/upgrades/fixes
Advantages of open source software licenses
- Allows collaboration with other people who may want the same modifications
- Less buggy versions of the software may appear faster
- Usually free, good for companies with limited budgets
- Generally strong social support
Disadvantages of open source software lincenses
- Relies on support of other users
- To edit the code, you need expert knowledge
- May not receive regular updates
- Could be more open to exploitation through users adding malicious code
Advantages of proprietary software licenses
- Generally free customer support
- Created to professional standards
- Always someone to go back to with any problems
Disadvantages of proprietary software licenses
- Cost can be significant
- Limited expansion, only what is available
- Relies on one company
- May not fully meet the need of the user/customer
