The Ten Commandments
- Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
- Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
- Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
- Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
- Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
- Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid (without permission).
- Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
- Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
- Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
- Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.
- Commandment 1
- Simply put: Do not use the computer in ways that may harm other people.
- Explanation: This commandment says that it is unethical to use a
computer to harm another user. It is not limited to physical injury. It
includes harming or corrupting other users' data or files. The
commandment states that it is wrong to use a computer to steal someone's
personal information. Manipulating or destroying files of other users
is ethically wrong. It is unethical to write programs, which on
execution lead to stealing, copying or gaining unauthorized access to
other users' data. Being involved in practices like hacking, spamming,
phishing or cyber bullying does not conform to computer ethics.
- Commandment 2
- Simply put: Do not use computer technology to cause interference in other users' work.
- Explanation: Computer software can be used in ways that disturb
other users or disrupt their work. Viruses, for example, are programs
meant to harm useful computer programs or interfere with the normal
functioning of a computer. Malicious software can disrupt the
functioning of computers in more ways than one. It may overload computer
memory through excessive consumption of computer resources, thus
slowing its functioning. It may cause a computer to function wrongly or
even stop working. Using malicious software to attack a computer is
unethical.
- Commandment 3
- Simply put: Do not spy on another person's computer data.
- Explanation: We know it is wrong to read someone's personal letters.
On the same lines, it is wrong to read someone else's email messages or
files. Obtaining data from another person's private files is nothing
less than breaking into someone's room. Snooping around in another
person's files or reading someone else's personal messages is the
invasion of his privacy. There are exceptions to this. For example,
spying is necessary and cannot be called unethical when it is done
against illegitimate use of computers. For example, intelligence
agencies working on cybercrime cases need to spy on the internet
activity of suspects.
- Commandment 4
- Simply put: Do not use computer technology to steal information.
- Explanation: Stealing sensitive information or leaking confidential
information is as good as robbery. It is wrong to acquire personal
information of employees from an employee database or patient history
from a hospital database or other such information that is meant to be
confidential. Similarly, breaking into a bank account to collect
information about the account or account holder is wrong. Illegal
electronic transfer of funds is a type of fraud. With the use of
technology, stealing of information is much easier. Computers can be
used to store stolen information.
- Commandment 5
- Simply put: Do not contribute to the spread of misinformation using computer technology.
- Explanation: Spread of information has become viral today, because
of the Internet. This also means that false news or rumors can spread
speedily through social networking sites or emails. Being involved in
the circulation of incorrect information is unethical. Mails and pop-ups
are commonly used to spread the wrong information or give false alerts
with the only intent of selling products. Mails from untrusted sources
advertising certain products or spreading some hard-to-believe
information, are not uncommon. Direct or indirect involvement in the
circulation of false information is ethically wrong. Giving wrong
information can hurt other parties or organizations that are affected on
that particular theme.
- Commandment 6
- Simply put: Refrain from copying software or buying pirated copies. Pay for software unless it is free.
- Explanation: Like any other artistic or literary work, software is
copyrighted. A piece of code is the original work of the individual who
created it. It is copyrighted in his/her name. In case of a developer
writing software for the organization she works for, the organization
holds the copyright for it. Copyright holds true unless its creators
announce it is not. Obtaining illegal copies of copyrighted software is
unethical. It is not easy to do such things and in the end it will just
be copied illegally.
- Commandment 7
- Simply put: Do not use someone else's computer resources unless authorized to.
- Explanation: Multi-user systems have user specific passwords.
Breaking into some other user's password, thus intruding his/her private
space is unethical. It is not ethical to hack passwords for gaining
unauthorized access to a password-protected computer system. Accessing
data that you are not authorized to access or gaining access to another
user's computer without her permission is not ethical. Privacy will
always be applied to such resources and were not supposed to get exposed
and hack in such ways that is not yours.
- Commandment 8
- Simply put: It is wrong to claim ownership on a work which is the output of someone else's intellect.
- Explanation: Programs developed by a software developer are her
property. If he is working with an organization, they are the
organization's property. Copying them and propagating them in one's own
name is unethical. This applies to any creative work, program or design.
Establishing ownership on a work which is not yours is ethically wrong.
Originality of any software/programs are to be keep safe and trying to
claim ownership will cause a viral disputes.
- Commandment 9
- Simply put: Before developing a software, think about the social impact it can have.
- Explanation: Looking at the social consequences that a program can
have, describes a broader perspective of looking at technology. A
computer software on release, reaches millions. Software like video
games and animations or educational software can have a social impact on
their users. When working on animation films or designing video games,
for example, it is the programmer's responsibility to understand his
target audience/users and the effect it may have on them. For example, a
computer game for kids should not have content that can influence them
negatively. Similarly, writing malicious software is ethically wrong. A
software developer/development firm should consider the influence their
code can have on the society at large.
- Commandment 10
- Simply put: In using computers for communication, be respectful and courteous with the fellow members.
- Explanation: The communication etiquette we follow in the real world
applies to communication over computers as well. While communicating
over the Internet, one should treat others with respect. One should not
intrude others' private space, use abusive language, make false
statements or pass irresponsible remarks about others. One should be
courteous while communicating over the web and should respect others'
time and resources. Also, one should be considerate with a novice
computer user.
0 comments:
Post a Comment