Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Concerns (yr 11)

Question 1

What are stakeholders in relation to computing technologies?

Answer 1

Stakeholders are individuals or groups who are affected by or have an interest in the development and use of computing technologies. Examples include users, software developers, hardware manufacturers, companies, employees, governments, and society as a whole.

Question 2

Describe two ethical issues related to computer technology.

Answer 2

1. Privacy: Collecting and storing personal data can lead to misuse or data breaches.
2. AI Bias: Algorithms may reflect the biases of their developers, leading to unfair outcomes in areas like recruitment or policing.

Question 3

What are the key environmental impacts of computer systems?

Answer 3

• E-waste: Rapid obsolescence leads to discarded electronics that may pollute the environment.
• Energy Consumption: Data centers and devices require large amounts of electricity, contributing to carbon emissions.
• Resource Use: Mining for rare metals used in electronics harms ecosystems.

Question 4

Give two examples of cultural issues caused by computing.

Answer 4

1. Digital Divide: Not all individuals or countries have equal access to digital technology.
2. Changes in Social Interaction: Over-reliance on digital communication may reduce face-to-face social skills.

Question 5

Compare open source and proprietary software.

Answer 5

• Open Source: Code is freely available and can be modified. Encourages collaboration and transparency but may lack official support.
• Proprietary: Code is closed-source and owned by a company. Often more polished with technical support, but users have limited freedom.

Question 6

Describe the purpose of the Data Protection Act (2018).

Answer 6

It ensures that personal data is collected, stored, and used fairly, lawfully, and transparently. It grants individuals rights over their data and enforces responsibilities for organisations handling that data.

Question 7

What does the Computer Misuse Act (1990) cover?

Answer 7

It makes unauthorised access to computer systems illegal. This includes hacking, accessing data without permission, and creating or spreading malware.

Question 8

What is the purpose of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988)?

Answer 8

It protects creators’ rights by making it illegal to copy, share, or modify their work without permission.

Question 9

What is the Freedom of Information Act (2000)?

Answer 9

This law gives individuals the right to access information held by public organisations, unless it falls under sensitive categories.