Computer Ethics Quiz

Study Notes

Ethics Quiz - Computer Ethics

Question 1: Which ethical principle emphasizes the responsibility to avoid causing harm with technology?
a) Beneficence
b) Non-maleficence
c) Justice
d) Privacy
Question 2: What is the core concern of ethical considerations related to artificial intelligence (AI)?
a) Ensuring AI systems are only used to benefit society
b) Addressing potentially discriminatory outcomes from AI algorithms
c) Establishing limits on AI development that do not constrain progress
d) a & b
Question 3: Explain the concept of intellectual property rights in the context of computer technology?
a) Protecting the rights of individuals and organizations to freely share their work.
b) Addressing concerns around software copying and creative production.
c) Ensuring privacy is not violated by sharing sensitive information.
d) a & b
Question 4: What is a significant ethical dilemma in the use of big data?
a) The potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information
b) The use of algorithms for profiling individuals.
c) Bias in datasets, which could unintentionally perpetuate inequalities
Question 5: What is the ethical responsibility of computer professionals regarding the security of systems they develop?
a) To prioritize profit and development speed, while adhering to basic security standards.
b) To build systems with robust security features and address vulnerabilities transparently.
c) To ignore security vulnerabilities in order to avoid delays, until a potential breach.
d) b & c

Study Notes - Computer Ethics

General Ethical Principles

Respect for persons: Treating individuals with dignity and autonomy, recognizing informed consent, avoid deceptive practices.
Beneficence: Acting in the best interest of others, striving for the greatest good for the greatest number.
Non-maleficence: Avoiding harm and minimizing risks; being mindful of the potential negative consequences of computer systems.
Justice: Ensuring fairness in access, distribution, and use of computer resources and technologies.

Specific Ethical Issues in Computer Technology

Privacy: Protecting personal information from unauthorized access and use. Data security and protection play a strong role in computer ethics.
Security: Creating trustworthy, resilient computer systems resistant to errors and breaches. This impacts the privacy of users.
Intellectual property: Protecting the rights of software developers, authors, and creators relating to their work. This includes copyrights and patents.
Copyright issues: Addressing concerns with software licensing, unauthorized copying and potential breaches.
Artificial intelligence (AI): Maintaining accountability for the decisions algorithms make, preventing bias and discrimination in AI systems, and promoting transparent use.
Digital divide: Addressing inequities in access to technology and digital literacy to ensure equitable access to the benefits of technology.
Cybercrime: Ethical issues surrounding hacking, identity theft, and creating legal codes of conduct to regulate actions in cyberspace.
Surveillance: Understanding and mitigating potential for misuse of monitoring systems, safeguarding individual freedom in the digital world, and respecting privacy.
Data mining and big data: Ethical concerns related to the use, access, and retention of large datasets, ensuring user awareness and control over their data.
Algorithmic bias: Recognizing and addressing bias present in algorithms to avoid discriminatory outcomes in AI applications. This is critical for applications like loan processing.
Impact of automation: Ethical evaluation of systems that automate tasks previously performed by humans, affecting employment and society as a whole.

Professional Responsibilities

Computer Professionals: Maintaining high standards of integrity, competence, and responsibility in their professional practice.
Users: Acting responsibly while using technology, understanding and adhering to legal and ethical guidelines, avoiding misuse.
Organizations: Developing policies and frameworks to support ethical conduct, promoting a culture of responsible technology use.

Description

Test your knowledge on the principles of computer ethics, including non-maleficence, intellectual property rights, and big data dilemmas. This quiz covers key ethical considerations that impact technology and society. Challenge yourself to understand the responsibilities that come with using technology responsibly.