Ethics Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with issues of morality —consideration of what human actions and reactions are morally right and wrong. In this section: Personal Computer Ethics Professional Computer Ethics Governmental Computer Ethics Accessible Computing Green Computing Digital Divide Issues > Ethics

Legal vs. Ethical An act is legal if it complies to governing laws and regulations, whereas an act is also ethical if it is morally correct and right and complies to ethical policies of an individual or organization. Three meaningful questions that apply: Are our responsibilities limited to what the law requires of us? If we are legally allowed to do something, does that mean we ought to? If there is no relevant law to speak of with respect to a "What should I do?" problem we're facing, does that mean that anything goes? The answers to these questions are: No. No. No.

Personal Computer Ethics Personal computer ethics refers to the responsible use of computers by individuals outside of professional environments. Issues > Ethics > Personal Computer Ethics

Professional Computer Ethics Professional computer ethics involves the ethical issues faced by professionals in their use of computer systems as part of their jobs. Issues > Ethics > Professional Computer Ethics

Governmental Computer Ethics Governmental computer ethics refers to a government’s responsibility to create laws to protect citizens from unethical computer use, and provide citizens with equal access to computers and information technologies as well as their benefits. Issues > Ethics > Governmental Computer Ethics

Accessible Computing Accessible computing refers to providing equal access to computers and information technology for individuals with disabilities. Issues > Ethics > Accessible Computing

Green Computing Green computing refers to the efforts of individuals, businesses, and governments to utilize environmentally conscious practices in the manufacturing and use of digital technologies. New computing technologies are being invented that use less energy. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) used in newer displays reduce energy use by 80 percent over CRT monitors. E-waste refers to discarded digital electronics devices and components. The EPA estimates that 400,000 tons of e-waste is sent to recycling services each year. Issues > Ethics > Green Computing

Digital Divide The digital divide refers to the social and economic gap between those who have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not. Issues > Ethics > Digital Divide