Computing Computing Ethics And policies that enforce behavior

General information  Ethics address right and wrong. People learn ethics.  Because the use of computers is fairly new for many people and purposes, ethics for computer use are not always clear, and not always learned properly.  Information professionals are leaders in the uses of information technologies, and need to be informed about computing ethics and related issues.

Definition of Ethics (from M-W) –1: the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation –2a: a set of moral principles or values –2b: a theory or system of moral values –2c: the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group –2d: a guiding philosophy

Overlap between ethics and policy  It's unreasonable to assume that everyone has learned the same ethics, or how to apply them.  Therefore, we use things like these to communicate and instrument ethics: rules, policies, laws, procedures, punishments, training, certification, etc.  In information organizations, products and services, written policies communicate what is right and wrong, allowed and disallowed, believed and avoided.

Examples of instruction for ethics These try to communicate what is right and wrong:  Ten commandments of computer ethics Ten commandments of computer ethics (  Netiquette training Netiquette training ( 998/netiquette.html)

Ethics through policy These instrument approaches to behavior, as well as penalties for inappropriate behavior. Risks are specified, as well as benefits:  ATN's Basic Security ChecklistBasic Security Checklist  ATN's Security PolicySecurity Policy

Some general policy and ethics resources ALA's OITPALA's OITP, statements about online privacy, policy and technology. Sample quote: “While ALA strongly believes in the importance of protecting online privacy, the ALA remains concerned that the parental consent requirement may limit childrens' access to online information and interactive services.” OECD's Privacy Policy Statement Generator

The Internet in a Nutshell As if it could be contained in such a small space !!!