Topic 1.9 - Economic, Moral, Legal, Ethical and Cultural Issues Relating to Computer Science Flashcards
Why do companies and organisations need to have formal codes of conduct for using there system/network?
- Forms the basis for legal sanction or disciplinary action
- Ensures staff are aware of activities which are unacceptable
- May concentrate the minds of the employees on the issues
- Ensures employees are working consistently
How are codes of conducts used in regards to the processes of hiring and firing?
- When a new employee is employed, they must sign and agree to the code of conduct
- If an employee breaks part of the code of conduct, the employee in question may be dismissed (or other disciplinary action may be take)
How does the use of computers have a positive effect on employment?
Computers can give new skills to workers and new jobs can be created:
- Network technicians
- Programmers
- Systems analyst
- Robot maintenance
What different government acts restrict the use of computers?
- Computer Misuse Act 1980
- Data Protection Act 1998
- Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1998
- Freedom of Information Act 2000
- Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
Describe the Computer Misuse Act 1980:
Section 1 - Unauthorised access to computer material
Section 2 - Unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences
Section 3 - Unauthorised actions with intent to impair the operation of the computer
Section 3a - Making or supplying or obtaining materials for use in sections 1-3
Describe the Data Protection Act 1998:
- Data must be adequate, relevant and not excessive
- Data must be accurate and up to date
- Personal data stored for no longer than necessary
- Processed in line with the data subject’s rights
Describe the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1998:
Makes the following things illegal if done without permission:
- Copy software
- Sell or distribute copies of software
- Adapt software (known as cracking)
- Create copies via internet downloads
Describe the Freedom of Information Act 2000:
It provides public access to information held by public authorities by:
- Having public authorities be obliged to publish certain information
- Members of the public are entitled to request information from public authorities
Describe the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000:
Under this act, security services (police, secret services and GCHQ) can intercept e-mails, access private communications and plant surveillance devices.
List a number of health and safety issues which can arise from using computers:
- Obesity
- RSI
- Back problems
- Eye strain
What is meant by censorship?
Censorship is where governing bodies aim to suppress information e.g. china
What difficulties are there in censoring information?
- International nature of the internet and jurisdiction
- TCP/IP and packet switching
- VPN
- Encryption
What are the advantages of teleworking?
- Businesses can recruit internationally
- Businesses can reduce need for offices
- Employees don’t have to live near offices
- Employees can work around family commitments
What are the disadvantages of teleworking?
- Businesses may find t difficult to monitor staff
- Security issues of data being accessed off site
- Employees may have increased utility costs
- Employees could potentially be paid less
What are the advantages of online shopping?
- Businesses can sell internationally
- Businesses can sell all the time throughout the day and throughout the year
- More convenient for shoppers
- Shoppers can save in travel costs
