Computer Ethics

Question 1

What are computer ethics?

Answer 1

Computer ethics is the set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers.

Question 2

What is the nickname given to computer ethics?

Answer 2

Netiquette

Question 3

Computer Ethics 10 Commandments
#1 Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
It includes harming or corrupting other users’ data or files.

Answer 3

Do not use the computer in ways that may harm other people

The commandment states that it is wrong to use a computer to steal someone’s personal information. Manipulating or destroying files of other users is ethically wrong. It is unethical to write programs, which on execution lead to stealing, copying or gaining unauthorized access to other users’ data. Being involved in practices like hacking, spamming, phishing or cyber bullying does not conform to computer ethics.

Question 4

What is the nickname given to computer ethics?

Answer 4

Netiquette

Question 5

Basic rules for safe use of computers Rule 1

Answer 5

Keep software and apps updated and deleted unused ones.

Question 6

Rule 2

Answer 6

Be careful when sending e-mails to unknown sources

Question 7

Rule 3

Answer 7

Do not click the link or online ad.

Question 8

Rule 4

Answer 8

What you post stays online forever

Question 9

Rule 5

Answer 9

Just because it’s free doesn’t mean it;s safe

Question 10

Rule 6

Answer 10

Do not reveal sensitive information online.

Question 11

Rule 7

Answer 11

Keep your account information to yourself

Question 12

Rule 8

Answer 12

Report illegal activities or offending content

Question 13

Rule 9

Answer 13

Use anti virus software

Question 14

Rule 10

Answer 14

Create backup copies of important stuff.

Question 15

Give a definition and example of Invasion of privacy

Question 16

Give a definition and example of Invasion of identity theft

Question 17

2 Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.

Answer 17

Computer software can be used in ways that disturb other users or disrupt their work. Viruses, for example,
are programs meant to harm useful computer programs or interfere with the normal functioning of a computer. Malicious software can disrupt the functioning of computers in more ways than one. It may overload computer memory through excessive consumption of computer resources, thus slowing its functioning. It may cause a computer to function wrongly or even stop working. Using malicious software to attack a computer is unethical.

Question 18

3 Thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s computer files.

Answer 18

Do not spy on another person’s computer data.

We know it is wrong to read someone’s personal letters. On the same lines, it is wrong to read someone else’s email messages or files. Obtaining data from another person’s private files is nothing less than breaking into someone’s room. Snooping around in another person’s files or reading someone else’s personal messages is the invasion of his privacy. There are exceptions to this. For example, spying is necessary and cannot be called unethical when it is done against illegitimate use of computers. For example, intelligence agencies working on cybercrime cases need to spy on the internet activity of suspects.

Question 19

4 Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

Answer 19

Do not use computer technology to steal information.

Stealing sensitive information or leaking confidential information is as good as robbery. It is wrong to acquire personal information of employees from an employee database or patient history from a hospital database or other such information that is meant to be confidential. Similarly, breaking into a bank account to collect information about the account or account holder is wrong. Illegal electronic transfer of funds is a type of fraud. With the use of technology, stealing of information is much easier. Computers can be used to store stolen information.

Question 20

5 Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

Answer 20

Do not contribute to the spread of misinformation using computer technology

Spread of information has become viral today, because of the Internet. This also means that false news or rumors can spread speedily through social networking sites or emails. Being involved in the circulation of incorrect information is unethical. Mails and pop-ups are commonly used to spread the wrong information or give false alerts with the only intent of selling products. Mails from untrusted sources advertising certain products or spreading some hard-to-believe information, are not uncommon. Direct or indirect involvement in the circulation of false information is ethically wrong. Giving wrong information can hurt other parties or organizations that are affected by that particular theme.

Question 21

6 Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid (without permission).

Answer 21

Refrain from copying software or buying pirated copies. Pay for software unless it is free.

Explanation: Like any other artistic or literary work, software is copyrighted. A piece of code is the original work of the individual who created it. It is copyrighted in his/her name. In case of a developer writing software for the organization she works for, the organization holds the copyright for it. Copyright holds true unless its creators announce it is not. Obtaining illegal copies of copyrighted software is unethical and also encourages others to make copies illegally.

Question 22

7 Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

Answer 22

Do not use someone else’s computer resources unless authorized to.

Explanation: Multi-user systems have user specific passwords. Breaking into some other user’s password, thus intruding his/her private space is unethical. It is not ethical to hack passwords for gaining unauthorized access to a password-protected computer system. Accessing data that you are not authorized to access or gaining access to another user’s computer without her permission is not ethica

Question 23

8 Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.

Answer 23

It is wrong to claim ownership on a work which is the output of someone else’s intellect.

Programs developed by a software developer are her property. If he is working with an organization, they are the organization’s property. Copying them and propagating them in one’s own name is unethical. This applies to any creative work, program or design. Establishing ownership on a work which is not yours is ethically wrong.

Question 24

9 Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for other humans

Answer 24

Before developing a software, think about the social impact it can have.

Explanation: Looking at the social consequences that a program can have, describes a broader perspective of looking at technology. A computer software on release, reaches millions. Software like video games and animations or educational software can have a social impact on their users. When working on animation films or designing video games, for example, it is the programmer’s responsibility to understand his target audience/users and the effect it may have on them. For example, a computer game for kids should not have content that can influence them negatively. Similarly, writing malicious software is ethically wrong. A software developer/development firm should consider the influence their code can have on the society at large.

Question 25

10 Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for other humans

Answer 25

In using computers for communication, be respectful and courteous with the fellow members.

The communication etiquette we follow in the real world applies to communication over computers as well. While communicating over the Internet, one should treat others with respect. One should not intrude others’ private space, use abusive language, make false statements or pass irresponsible remarks about others. One should be courteous while communicating over the web and should respect others’ time and resources. Also, one should be considerate with a novice computer user.

Question 26

Give a definition and example of Invasion of Hacking

Question 27

Give a definition and example of Invasion of Copyright Infringement

Question 28

Give a definition and example of Invasion of Piracy

Question 29

Give a definition and example of Hacking

Question 30

Give a definition and example of Invasion of Piracy

Question 31

Give a definition and example of Online Defamation

Answer 31

Give a definition and example of Invasion of Copyright Infringement