1.8 Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Concerns COMPLETE Flashcards
Define legislation
The law which has been created by acts of Parliament.
What does the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988) do?
Protects files from being copied and makes it illegal for them to be used for commercial purposes without permission
What are the 3 offences of the Computer Misuse Act (1990)?
Unauthorised:
1) Access to computer material.
2) Access with intent to commit further offences.
3) Modification of a computer / programs.
What does the Data Protection Act (1998) do?
Prevents the misuse of your personal info (must be processed fairly and lawfully).
Define data subject
A person who has data stored about them.
Define data controller
A person, company or organisation who decides how the personal data will be stored and processed.
What does the Freedom of Information Act (2000) do?
Allows people to find out information about public organisations (with some restrictions).
What does the Creative Commons Licensing do?
Allows others to use work that is copyrighted, but with conditions.
What is the problem with higher-skill jobs?
It makes low-skill workers unemployed.
What is the digital divide?
Not everyone in the world has access to technology and the Internet - some people being able to afford and others not
Name a cultural implication of Computer Science
The digital divide
Give 2 examples of the environmental impact of Computer Science
Any 2 points from: computers use large quantities of raw materials and energy - some of these are finite resources and we are running out of sources of them. disposing of old computer equipment is costly to the environment (toxic metals i.e. cadmium and lead) and disposing of these incorrectly causes pollution including groundwater pollution from landfill. Electricity supply - more tech - mode need, more power stations/sources
What does UPS stand for?
Uninterruptible Power Supply:
Used by data centres.
What is Open Source Software?
1) Software which users can modify or distribute.
2) Can be installed on any number of computers.
3) Users have access to the source code to further modify and develop the software.
What is Proprietary Software?
1) Software which users can’t modify as it’s protected by Copyright Design & Patents Act and users do not have access to the source code.
2) Usually paid for and licensed per user or per computer.
3) Usually restricts the number of users or machines that the software can be installed on.
What is a stakeholder?
Anyone with an interest in an issue
What cultural implications does online shopping have?
High street closing, more isolation, lots more delivery drivers
As as a result of recent developments in technology, we have become more/less dependent on tech
more
What does family/peer pressure mean in terms of cultural implications of Computer Science?
Pressure put on you to buy things/stay up to date with the latest technology
Family/peer pressure can lead to d___
debt
Increased use of devices has lead to an increase/decrease in the time people spend with their family.
decrease
What is an disadvantage of open source software?
There is no support
List 3 of the rules from the Data Protection Act (1998)
Personal information must be… (any 3 from): fairly and lawfully processed, processed for limited purposes, adequate, relevant and not excessive, accurate and updated, not be kept for longer than necessary, processed in line with the data subjects’ rights, secure and not be transferred to other countries without adequate protection
What does the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988) protect?
Intellectual property such as ideas, music, software and written material
Computer scientists must obey laws and act in ways that are considered…
moral and good by society
Everyone, including computer scientists, must/should/could behave in a legal way and obey any laws that govern the use of computer systems
must
Computer scientists must/should/could behave ethically and act in ways that individuals and societies think of as reflecting good values
should
Ethics describe guidelines for computer users to follow whereas the law describes…
rules that computer users must obey to prevent misuse of computer systems
Ethical principles can be applied anywhere in the world - they are not restricted to national legislation whereas laws…
may vary from country to country
It is immoral not to follow ethical code but it is not a crime, whereas it is _______ to not follow laws
illegal
Computer users must/should/could follow the law or face prosecution
Must
Organisations such as the Computer Ethics Institute publish ethical statements for…
computer professionals and users
Give an example of one of the 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics
Any 1 from thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people, thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s computer files and thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans
Professional organisations such as the British Computer Society have developed professional codes of _______ that outline appropriate professional behaviour
conduct
Give a membership rule for the British Computer Society
Members should develop their professional skills and competence or members should never claim a level of competence that they do not possess
Computer science technologies have had a significant/insignificant effect on the ways in which people live, work and relate to each other
significant
What is a stakeholder?
A person or group of people who own or have an interest in a business or organisation
Give 3 stakeholders in a school
Any 3 from students, teachers and other employees, parents, local community and the local authority
We are/are not all stakeholders in the society in which we live
are
As stakeholders of the society we live in, do we have rights from it?
Yes
As stakeholders of the society we live in, do we have duties/responsibilities to it?
Yes
The whole population of the world are/are not stakeholders in computer science technologies
are
True/False: All stakeholders have responsibilities to use computer equipment ethically and not use it to harm others
True
True/False: All stakeholders do not have responsibilities to protect the environment and dispose of old equipment in the correct way
False, they do
Do stakeholders have rights to share in the benefits of using computer equipment?
Yes, but not all of them do
What does the digital divide describe?
The gap between the digital ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’, where the ‘have-nots’ have poor or no access to technology
Give causes of the digital divide
Any 2 from lack of access to broadband, being unable to afford to access it and low IT literacy
True/False: Mobile technology allows wider communication as it is not restricted to expensive infrastructure (fixed telephone lines)
True
Give 2 examples of mobile communications
Any 2 from voice, text and media messages, video conferencing, emails, social networking, etc
True/False: Social networking sites allow people to communicate wherever they are to instantly publish personal thoughts and ideas
True
True/False: Social networking sites allow people to communicate wherever they are to campaign on social and political issues
True
True/False: Social networking sites allow people to communicate wherever they are to share images, videos and music with friends and family all over the world
True
The interconnection of people across the world is called:
globalisation
Developments in computer science technologies have had a huge/small impact on people’s access to information and the interconnection of people across the world
huge
Give 2 benefits of retailers being able to sell from an online store
Any 2 from there is no need to maintain a high street presence, they can target customers all over the world, customers can buy online from retailers anywhere in the world, etc
How have computer technologies impacted entertainment?
They have allowed a hugely expanded range of digital television channels, streaming and video services and home entertainment systems
Remote access allows…
Collaborative online working and sharing files
Give an impact that having good broadband has on home working practices
Any from less need for office space, less time wasted travelling to place of work and more flexible working hours
The gaming industry is a huge $100bn a year industry/ a small, $1m a year industry
a huge, $100bn a year industry
True/False: Top games can earn more than blockbuster films
True
How can computers be used in education?
For research, teaching, assessment and management
Give 2 examples of ways computers can be used in education
Any 2 from interactive whiteboards, virtual learning environments, ebook versions of textbooks and computerised administration
What does VLE stand for?
Virtual Learning Environment
True/False: Computers do not improve the efficiency of the running of educational establishments
False, they do
Developments in computer science technologies have had a major/minor impact on medicine
major
Give an example of a development in technology that has impacted medicine
Any from modern health care makes use of full body scanners for diagnosis of cancer and heart disease, DNA analysis is used to screen for genetic disorders, online patient records make it easier for different health professionals to share information, etc
True/False: Computer science technologies only have a negative impact on the environment
False, the impact they on the environment is both positive and negative
True/False: Vast amounts of energy are consumed in production and assembly of computer equipment
True
True/False: Small amounts of energy are consumed in functioning of equipment
False, vast amounts
True/False: Vast amounts of energy are consumed in online data storage in data centres
True
True/False: Small amounts of energy are consumed in recycling of equipment
False, vast amounts
Give an example of how smarter technologies help to protect the environemnt
Light sensors that turn off lights when they are needed, route planners that reduce fuel consumption, etc
True/False: No energy is used to run and cool servers used for online storage
False, energy is used
Why are many servers now located in countries such as Norway?
They have cool climates and cheap, sustainable energy supplied from hydroelectricity
Satellite navigation helps drivers choose the ________ routes
Quickest
What is e-waste?
Waste created by electronic devices
What is the problem with e-waste being illegally dumped in landfill sites?
Toxic waste substances can get into the land and water
Give an example of a toxic waste substance
Any from lead, mercury or cobalt
True/False: All computer components can be recycled and reused
False, many computer components cannot be recycled or reused
True/False: Millions of tonnes of e-waste are dumped in developing countries every year
True
True/False: Illegal tipping of e-waste causes health problems around the world
True
True/False: Digital Devices contain over 60 different elements, which there are an abundance of
False, digital devices contain over 60 different elements - of which many are short in supply
True/False: Most energy used comes from non-renewable resources - fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil
True
True/False: Computers help us develop and produce new sustainable materials and technologies (such as development of new energy sources)
True
True/False: Paper communication reduces the number of trees cut down
False, paperless communication such as email reduces the number of trees cut down
How can sustainability and e-waste issues be addressed?
By recycling or reusing old devices
Give a way that old devices can be recycled
Any from elements can be extracted and reused, some components can be reused, unwanted items can be donated to poorer countries, etc
Computer science allows us to monitor and study the environment and better __________ how it works and how we affect it
understand
As a result of computing developments, experts from all fields can _____ research to develop better and smarter solutions
share
True/False: Instant communication is a detriment to business processes
False, it speeds them up
True/False: Devices kept on standby or sleep mode consume large amounts of energy
True
Computer science technologies have made it possible to monitor the movement and communication of some/most/all citizens
all
How do mobile phone service providers monitor where you are?
They keep records of calls and texts that are sent and received. The location of a phone can be tracked 24/7
How is the location of a phone tracked 24/7?
By comparing the phone’s signal strength from different phone masts
How can passports monitor where you are?
They are scanned at airports and immigration checkpoints when we travel abroad so that our movements in and out of different countries are monitored
True/False: Britain has the largest network of surveillance cameras in Europe. People can be tracked in most cities
True
What does ANPR stand for?
Automatic Number Plate Recognition
ANPR makes it possible to…
track all road vehicles automatically
What can surveillance cameras help do?
Deter crime and antisocial acts and provide evidence in criminal prosecutions
There has to be a balance between security and p______
privacy
True/False: Online activity is recorded and used by internet service providers
True
True/False: All items of browsing history can be monitored and used for targeted advertising
True
What kind of data and items of browsing history can be used for targeted advertising?
Things such as any searches, followed links and items bought online
Social networking sites store a vast/small amount of information about our movements, communications, habits and activities
vast
True/False: We don’t need to worry about what we post on social networking sites
False: care should be taken about what is posted on these sites
Geotagging from photographs posted online can be used to…
monitor movements
Legislation safeguards users’ online privacy and security and prevents…
the misuse of data
What does the Data Protection Act relate to?
All personal data held by organisations, in paper or electronic form
True/False: Data related to the data protection act is only data in electronic form
False, it can be in paper or electronic form
Why was the Data Protection Act put in place?
To prevent misuse of personal data
Under the Data Protection Act, companies holding our data are required by law to… (give 3)
Any 3 from keep it secure, not to ask for more data than necessary, not to keep any data longer than necessary, to keep data accurate and up to date, not to use the data for any other purpose without our consent
Why are there concerns that data submitted online is more vulnerable to misuse?
It easier to access data when it is stored online
True/False: Many organisations store personal details electronically
True
Give two examples of when personal details are stored electronically
Any 2 from the government, NHS, social networking sites, schools, online retailers, etc
Everyone whose data is stored is a ____ _______
Data subject
Data subjects have the right to: (give 2)
Any 2 from inspect and check data held but the organisations can charge for this, demand that incorrect information is amended, demand that the data is not used in anyway that could harm or distress and demand that any data held by the organisation is not used for direct marketing
True/False: Data subjects can always check data held by an organisation for free
False, some organisations may charge for this
With the widespread use of the internet, it is now easier/harder to remotely log into a network and use someone;s computer and steal or corrupt data
Easier
The Computer Misuse Act has _ levels of crime
3
Give 2 parts of the Computer Misuse Act
Any 2 from no unauthorised access to computer material, no unauthorised modification of computer material and no unauthorised access to a computer with intent
What does no unauthorised access to computer material include?
Logging into another person’s computer without their permission and stealing documents and programs
What does no unauthorised modification of computer material include?
Destroying or corrupting a user’s files, modifying system files or creating a virus or other malware
What does no unauthorised access to a computer with intent include?
Gaining access to financial or administrative records and using the information to commit a further crime
Digital systems make it easy to share content, but ____ are needed to ensure that original work is not stolen or misused
laws
What does the Copyright Designs and Patents Act do?
Protects people’s original work from being used without their permission
True/False: All original work is copyright, including everything that is freely available to download from the internet
True
True/False: The person who creates a work automatically owns the copyright and is the only person who has the right to reproduce, adapt or sell it
True
Creators of inventions can apply for _______ that prevent others from making, using or selling the invention without their permission
patents
Give 3 examples of original work
Any 3 from literature, music, art, films, sound, drama, images, software, etc
What does the Freedom of Information Act create?
A right of access to information held by public authorities
Give 2 public bodies that the Freedom of Information Act Includes
Any 2 from central and local government, the health service, schools, colleges and universities and the police and courts
True/False: Only certain people can make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act
False, anyone can make a request for information
True/False: Requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act must be accepted
False
If the data holder refuses a request under the Freedom of Information Act, an appeal can be made to the…
Information Commissioner
What does Creative Commons Licensing do?
Gives the public permission to share and use work under certain conditions
What does the public domain condition under the Creative Commons License mean?
There are no restrictions - work can be used without permission or attribution for any purpose
What does the attribution commercial licence condition under the Creative Commons License mean?
Work can be used, distributed and copied as long as the creator is given credit for having created it
What does the attribution non-commercial licence condition under the Creative Commons License mean?
Work can be used, distributed and copied for non-commercial purposes with suitable attribution
What do Creative Commons Licences give people the right to do?
Share, use and build upon a work that an artist musician or writer has created
Computer users have a choice of commercially-available software, which has/has not been paid for
has
Computer users have a choice of open-source software, which is/isn’t free to use
is
True/False: Proprietary software is commercially produced by an organisation for profit
True
Give an example of proprietary software
Something like Windows, OS X, Microsoft Office, etc
True/False: Proprietary software is developed professionally and carefully tested
True
True/False: With proprietary software there is no support provided to keep customers happy
False, there is support provided to keep customers happy so that they will keep using the software
True/False: Books, magazine articles and online tutorials can give advice and instruction about proprietary software
True
True/False: Proprietary software is not updated
False
True/False: Updates and bug fixes proprietary software meet the needs and suggestions of users
True
True/False: With proprietary software, user licences apply conditions on the ways the software can be used and distributed
True
True/False: Source code of proprietary software can be modified by users
False, it cannot
True/False: The person or organisation who created the proprietary software maintains exclusive control over it
True
True/False: Proprietary software is developed for specific users’ needs
False, it is developed for the majority of users and may not meet individual needs
True/False: Proprietary software is free
False, it has to be paid for
True/False: Support and updates for proprietary software may be expensive
True
What is open source?
Software whose source code is available for modification or enhancement by anyone
Give an example of open source software
Any from Open Office, Linux, Android, Ubuntu, etc
True/False: With open source software, users can study the source code to see how the software works
True
True/False: With open source software, users cannot change and upgrade the software
False, they can
True/False: With open source software, under the license, users can pass on the software to other users at a cost
False, it is for no charge
True/False: Open source software is free to use
True
True/False: With open source software, users can modify the source code to adapt it to their needs
True
True/False: With open source software, constant upgrades are available
True
True/False: With open source software, there is no community of dedicated enthusiasts to provide help and support
False, there is a community of dedicated enthusiasts who will provide help and support
True/False: Open source software appears as more professional than proprietary software and has a very user-friendly interface
False, open-source software may not appear as professional as proprietary software or have such a user friendly interface
True/False: With open source software, specialist knowledge may be needed
True
