Computer Ethics

Code of Ethics

Computer Ethics

• deals with how computing professionals should make decisions regarding professional and social conduct.

Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

• Commandment - an instruction; a requirement

• Ethics – a code of conduct on how a person should live

1. You shall not use a computer to harm other people– Intentionally interfering with other people’s work– Invading the privacy of individuals

2. You shall not interfere with other people's computer work– Degrading or disrupting equipment, software, or

system performance.– Using resources to interfere with the proper

operation of any computer, or destroy data.– Intentionally interfering with other people’s work– Invading the privacy of individuals

3. You shall not snoop around in other people's computer files. – Using an account owned by another user, or

allowing another user to access your account. – Invading the privacy of individuals

4. You shall not use a computer to steal.– Using resources in any manner that breaks the law

or violates company policy. This can include the unauthorised copying or transmission of software

5. You shall not use a computer to bear false witness.– You should not be responsible for creating or

forwarding “chain” letters.– You should not download, store, print, or

distributing files or messages that are profane, obscene, threatening, or that use language that offends or is aimed at degrading others.

6. You shall not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.– You should not use resources in any manner that

violates company policy or breaks the law, including the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act. This means that you should not be copying or transmitting software for which you do not have a licence

7. You shall not use other people's computer resources without authorisation or proper compensation.– You should not try to pass off information

obtained via the Internet or as part of your working life as your own. You should always give proper credit to the source.

– You should not post personal communication without the original author’s consent.

8. You shall not appropriate other people's intellectual output.– Posting personal communication without the

original author’s consent.– Using information obtained through network and

computer resources without giving proper credit to the source (plagiarism).

9. You shall think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.– Downloading, storing, printing, or distributing files

or messages that are profane, obscene, threatening, or that use language that offends or tends to degrade others.

10. You shall always use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect for your fellow humans.– Downloading, storing, printing, or distributing files

or messages that contain information considered dangerous to the public at large.