Sustainability and Ethics in Computing

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Questions and Answers

What branch of philosophy pertains to the ethical dilemmas in computer science?

Normative Ethics

Metaethics

Descriptive Ethics

Applied Philosophy (correct)

Which of the following represents a major ethical concern related to social media?

Data encryption

User interface design

Political manipulation (correct)

Software performance

What ethical issue arises from the use of algorithms in technology?

User engagement

Algorithmic Bias (correct)

Software update frequency

Data storage capacity

What is a key ethical implication of artificial intelligence?

Impact on jobs Signup and view all the answers

Who bears the responsibility when software fails is a concern related to which area?

Software Development Signup and view all the answers

Emerging ethical issues in computer science are primarily focused on which of the following?

Uncharted territories of technology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following elements is a critical aspect of data privacy ethics?

Access to personal data Signup and view all the answers

Environmental issues related to technology include which of the following?

Digital footprints Signup and view all the answers

What does the efficiency of an algorithm primarily evaluate?

Time complexity and space complexity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes ethical issues in computer science?

Morally acceptable practices in technology use Signup and view all the answers

What plays a crucial role in addressing the complexities of modern computer science?

Advanced mathematical models and techniques Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant legal concern related to online data management?

Data integrity, confidentiality, and availability Signup and view all the answers

How do social issues differ from legal issues in the context of computer science?

Social issues are cultural norms affecting technology, while legal issues are defined by law Signup and view all the answers

What emerging fields add complexity to existing coding and development practices?

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best encapsulates the issues of security and privacy in computing?

Protecting data integrity, confidentiality, and availability Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does complexity in computer science NOT typically include?

Basic algorithm understanding Signup and view all the answers

Which socio-technological factor emphasizes the importance of effective user engagement with digital technologies?

Digital Literacy Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of advancements in coding practices and languages?

Evolving professional skill requirements Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most directly relates to the need for specialized expertise in technology development?

Cybersecurity Signup and view all the answers

How do regulatory frameworks influence technological progression?

They provide guidelines for data management and privacy. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of technological innovations is emphasized as having significant social implications?

Their impact on public policy and education Signup and view all the answers

What role do sociocultural contexts play in technological deployment?

They shape acceptance and influence social impact. Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for addressing the social implications of technological innovations?

All stakeholders, including educators and advocates Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of understanding socio-technological factors in computer science?

To provide a roadmap for responsible technological advancement. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lecture 1 introduces the multifaceted nature of issues in computing, encompassing sustainability, social, legal, and ethical considerations.
The field of computer science faces complexities and challenges related to algorithm efficiency, security, privacy, AI, and machine learning (ML).
Modern computing systems, while convenient, hide intricate problems requiring advanced mathematical modeling and techniques.
Current computing challenges include security concerns, complexity management, scalability, and interoperability.
Ethical issues in computing range from moral considerations to legal parameters, encompassing environmental impact and privacy implications.
The ethical issues in computing are significant because of the growing dependence on digital systems.
The ethical dilemmas relate to computing technologies and the conduct of professionals in the field.
Data privacy, algorithms bias, social media ethics, artificial intelligence ethics, and software development responsibilities pose critical ethical issues.
The field of computer science faces unique challenges as it moves into uncharted territories.
These challenges arise due to the less-established nature and evolving regulatory frameworks of certain technology sectors.
Socio-technological factors interact significantly with computer science's development, deployment, and societal impact.
Key socio-technological factors impacting computer science include advancements in coding, digital literacy, cybersecurity, regulatory frameworks, and sociocultural context.
Digital literacy covers functional skills, critical thinking, online safety, digital culture, and collaboration.
Social implications of technological innovations include job displacement, privacy concerns, social connectivity, and education shifts.
Addressing social implications requires a coherent effort from stakeholders such as policymakers, technologists, and social advocates.
Legal issues in computer science encompass intellectual property (software, algorithms, databases), data privacy, software licensing, and AI and machine learning regulations.

Legal Issues in Computer Science

Legal aspects of computer science cover a wide range of topics, central to the creation, distribution, and use of digital products and services.
Navigating this area is increasingly crucial given digital technology's central role in global commerce and society.
Legal considerations include laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and professional standards that shape the development and application of computer technology.
Key legal topics include intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trade secrets), data privacy (GDPR, CCPA), software licensing, and AI and machine learning considerations.

Environmental Issues in Computer Science

The environmental footprint of computer science is crucial to acknowledge in the modern digital age.
Global reliance on digital technology increases energy demand, potentially leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
The tech industry significantly contributes to electronic waste, a pressing environmental issue.
Green computing (ICT sustainability) involves environmentally responsible practices in the design, manufacturing, use, and disposal of computing systems.
Optimizing resource use (energy and raw materials), proper waste disposal, and using energy-efficient components contribute to green computing.
Computer science can combat environmental challenges by developing innovative technologies and practices for environmental sustainability.
Environmental computing utilizes tools and methodologies to support environmental science research, model processes, and develop solutions to environmental problems.
Key areas include data analysis, remote sensing/GIS, AI/machine learning (predictive modeling), and smart grids.

Privacy Concerns in the Digital Age

Digital privacy refers to the protection of personal information in online spaces, shielding it from unauthorized access, misuse, disclosure, or alteration.
Data proliferation across various digital platforms raises significant privacy concerns.
Privacy concerns arise from misuse, information privacy violations, and identity theft.
Navigating digital privacy requires careful consideration of data minimization, purpose limitation, and data retention.
Critical themes in digital privacy include communication privacy (preventing unauthorized communication interception), identity protection (safeguarding personal information), and user control (empowering users to manage their information).

Balancing Tech Progress and User Privacy

Technology advancements offer opportunities in various domains, but they can infringe on personal spheres, posing privacy risks.
Balancing tech progress and user privacy is a key challenge in the digital age, requiring regulations, technologies, and ethical standards to protect user privacy.
Key strategies for achieving this balance include privacy by design, privacy regulations, ethical tech development, user empowerment, and transparency/accountability.

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Description

Lecture 1 delves into the various sustainability, social, legal, and ethical issues in computing. It discusses the complexities of algorithm efficiency and the significant ethical dilemmas faced in modern computing, including data privacy and environmental impacts. Understanding these issues is crucial for navigating the challenges in today's digital landscape.

Sustainability and Ethics in Computing - Lecture 1

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