Environmental and Ethical Issues in Computing

Study Notes

Environmental Issues

Computer use, manufacturing, and disposal have significant environmental impacts.
Energy consumption during production, use, and disposal phases is a key factor.
Manufacturing processes often involve the use of harmful materials.
E-waste (obsolete computers and components) poses a significant environmental problem due to the presence of hazardous substances.
Recycling and responsible disposal methods are crucial in minimizing environmental impact.
Sustainable computing practices involve using energy-efficient hardware and software, reducing power consumption, adopting cloud computing, and promoting digital literacy.

Ethical Issues

Data privacy and security concerns are paramount in computer systems, relating to the collection, use, and storage of personal information.
Issues related to the design, development and use of AI, and its impact on employment, bias, and social perceptions are significant.
Algorithms based on past decisions can reinforce existing societal inequalities and biases.
Intellectual property rights, copyright, and plagiarism in software development must be respected.
The responsible use of technology in social and political contexts needs to be considered, including misinformation and manipulation through social media or online campaigning.
Ensuring fair access to technology is critical for equitable participation in society.

Legal Issues

Copyright laws protect original works of authorship, including software and other digital content.
Intellectual property rights encompass ownership, licensing, and infringement issues in relation to software, datasets, and inventions.
Data protection acts, such as GDPR, stipulate how personal data can be collected, stored, and used. These acts ensure that individuals have control over their data.
Laws and regulations concerning the use of technology for crime, including hacking and online fraud, are vital to cybersecurity.
Laws regarding contractual obligations are important for software licensing and use.
Laws regarding the safety and security of equipment and systems affect every aspect of computing.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity involves protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
Key risks include phishing, malware (viruses and spyware), denial-of-service attacks, and social engineering.
Strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates are essential security measures.
Regular security audits, risk assessments, and incident response plans are vital for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture.
Data encryption safeguards sensitive information during transmission and storage.
Employees should be trained on identifying and avoiding cybersecurity threats.
Understanding different levels of access to data is crucial (e.g., administrator-level access).
Secure software development practices are crucial to prevent vulnerability exploitation.

Description

This quiz delves into the environmental and ethical challenges posed by computer use, manufacturing, and disposal. It covers topics such as energy consumption, e-waste management, data privacy, and the implications of artificial intelligence. Test your knowledge on how sustainable practices and ethical considerations shape the future of technology.