8 - Consequences of Uses of Computing

Question 1

Explain some of the challenges that face legislators in the digital age?

Answer 1

• Technology evolves quickly so it is difficult for law to keep up
• Laws are often national whilst the Internet is global
• Methods such as encryption make it harder to monitor criminal activity

Question 2

What are some ideas to consider when discussing ethical, legal and cultural issues?

Answer 2

Ethical:
• Consider harmful uses of the system
• Consider if material could be harmful to children
• Dealing with copyright information

Legal:
• Aspects of data protection legislation may apply
• Copyright information may lead to legislation breach
• If worldwide need to consider different legal systems
• Could it lead to crime?
• Who owns data?

Cultural:
• Could be offensive to certain cultures
• Cultural beliefs may not allow it
• Consider system will build upon an existing culture, for example self driving taxi service may eliminate taxi culture