12 Questions
What is the ethical issue highlighted in the text regarding software?
Using proprietary software without payment
What is the purpose of embedding information about the copyright owner into digital pictures?
To identify the creator of the pictures
What does the text warn against regarding computer resources?
Trying to bypass authorization systems
What type of action is considered unethical in the context of intellectual property in the text?
Appropriating other people’s intellectual output
What social aspect should be considered when developing programs or designing systems?
The potential harm to society from the program
What is the underlying principle related to human interaction when using computers according to the text?
Considering and respecting fellow humans when using computers
What is the equivalent of writing a program that handles the timing of a bomb, according to the text?
Harming other people
Why is reading other people's e-mail messages considered unethical?
It invades privacy
What can spread untruth as fast as it can spread truth, according to the text?
False witness bearing through computers
Which action is compared to obtaining other people's non-public files in terms of ethical judgment?
Invading privacy like reading e-mail messages
What does using a computer to break into the accounts of a company or a bank and transferring money equate to?
Robbery
Why is generating and consciously spreading computer viruses considered unethical?
It interferes with other people's computer work
Study Notes
Computer Ethics
- Spreading false rumors or propaganda about a person or historical events is unethical.
Intellectual Property
- Software is an intellectual product, and obtaining illegal copies of copyrighted software is illegal and unethical.
- Copyright information can be embedded into digital pictures using watermarking.
Computer Resources
- Using other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation is unethical.
- Hacking a system to bypass authorization is illegal and unethical.
Intellectual Output
- Copying someone else's program without authorization is software piracy and is unethical.
- Intellectual property is a form of ownership and may be protected by copyright laws.
Social Consequences
- Programmers must consider the social consequences of their programs, including potential harm to society.
- Programmers are responsible for the content of their programs, especially when it comes to children.
Respect for Humans
- Computer users must always use computers in ways that ensure consideration and respect for fellow humans.
- Computers should not be used to harm or manipulate others.
Harm to Others
- Using a computer to harm others is unethical, including writing programs that cause harm.
- Accessing and destroying others' files is equally bad as stealing and destroying their physical property.
Interference with Computer Work
- Generating and spreading computer viruses is unethical, as they disrupt others' computer work.
- Computer viruses can destroy files, take up computer time and memory, or display annoying messages.
Privacy
- Reading others' e-mail messages or accessing their non-public files is an invasion of privacy and is unethical.
- Obtaining others' non-public files is equivalent to breaking into their rooms and stealing their documents.
Stealing
- Using a computer to steal, including breaking into accounts and transferring money, is illegal and unethical.
- Computer theft is equivalent to robbery and has strict laws against it.
False Information
- Using a computer to spread false information or "bear false witness" is unethical and can spread quickly online.
- It is important to ensure the accuracy of information before sharing it online.
Test your knowledge on the ten commandments of computer ethics. Learn about ethical principles when using computers, including not harming others, not interfering with other people's work, and respecting other people's privacy.
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