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Introduction to Computer Ethics

• Computers are highly impactful in human life, revolutionizing society more than the Industrial Revolution.
• Internet usage exceeds 700 million globally.
• Computer-related crimes cost over $50 billion annually.

Historical Development of Computer Ethics

• Norbert Wiener at MIT in the 1940s questioned the potential for technology to harm humanity. His book, "The Human Use of Human Being," explored ethical concerns and practical examples regarding computer use.
• Donn Parker (1960s) highlighted unethical and illegal computer use. He observed that users often abandon their moral principles when using computers.
• Walter Maner (1970s) was the first to formalize a course on computer ethics, leading workshops and lectures.
• James Moor (1980s) at Dartmouth wrote a significant article "What is Computer Ethics?".
• Simon Rogerson, Keith Miller, and Dianne Martin (1990s) all contributed to the field of computer ethics.

Defining Computer Ethics

• Walter Maner views computer ethics as addressing ethical issues created by computer technology.
• Deborah Johnson defines computer ethics as examining how computers raise ethical dilemmas and the need to apply traditional ethical theories in a new light.
• Terrell Bynum (1989) defined computer ethics, drawing on Wiener's work, as a field identifying and analysing how information technology impacts human values and social issues like health, democracy, privacy, and security.
• Donald Gotterbarn sees computer ethics as a specialization of professional ethics, setting standards for a specific field.

Compuer Ethics Topics

• Computers in the Workplace: Computers pose job displacement risks due to high efficiency, impacting multiple fields such as banking, transportation, and more.
• Computer Crime: Focuses on security concerns, not just physical security but also logical security which includes computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, logic bombs, and bacteria. Trustworthy users can also pose threats.
• Privacy and Anonymity: Data collection and misuse are significant ethical concerns, highlighted by cases of data breaches.
• Intellectual Property: Software ownership and licensing are hotly debated. Some argue for free access while others stress the need for revenue generation.
• Professional Responsibility: Ethical considerations for computer professionals arise from their power and impact on society; conflict of interest avoidance is important.
• Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness through networks like the internet calls for global ethical standards, especially in relation to privacy, security, and intellectual property.

Common Issues in Computer Ethics

• Privacy: Includes hacking, malware (viruses, spyware, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware), and data privacy (eg. Facebook and Cambridge Analytica).
• Intellectual Property: Copyright infringement, software piracy (cracking) and licensing agreements are key concerns.
• Negative Impacts on Society: Job displacement, environmental impact (energy consumption), and social effects (e.g., social media polarization) cause concern.