Ethical and legal issues

Question 1

ethics and the law

Answer 1

• everyone (inc. computer scientists) must behave in a legal way and obey any laws that govern the use of computer systems
• they should behave ethically and act in ways that individuals and society think of as reflecting good values

Question 2

differences between ethics and the law (3)

Answer 2

• ethics describe guidelines for computer users to follow
• the law describes rules that computer users must obey to prevent misuse of computer systems
• ethical principles can be applied anywhere in the world
• laws may vary from country to country
• it is immoral to not follow the ethical code but it is not a crime
• it is illegal to not follow laws, not doing so results in prosecution

Question 3

ethical rules for computer users

Answer 3

organisations such as the Computer Ethics Institute publish ethical statements for computer professionals and users

they include:

• don’t use a computer to harm other people
• don’t snoop around in other people’s computer files
• always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for other people

Question 4

codes of conduct for programmers and computer scientists

Answer 4

professional organisations such as the British Computer Society have developed professional codes of conduct that outline appropriate professional behaviour, and include membership rules such as:

• members should develop their professional skills and competence
• members should never claim a level of competence that they do not possess