Introduction to Computer Science Technology and Society.Ethics Thanks to Dr. Joseph Ng from HKBU

Outline Technology and Society Ethics Computer Ethics Ethics vs. Law Computer Ethics Example topics Code of Professional Ethics

Technology and Society Do you like technology? How has technology affected your life? How has technology improved society? Has technology harmed society? How has technology affected privacy? How will technology affect society in the future?

Ethics Ethics A branch of philosophy that studies morality Morality: a system of rules for guiding human conduct, and principles for evaluating those rules. Development of reasonable standards for deciding what is morally right and wrong

Ethics and the Law: Not the Same Thing Highest level of behavior Right behavioral standards backed up by community sanction Law Minimum level of behavior Right behavioral standards backed up by civil/criminal sanction

Computer Ethics Computer ethics Why study computer ethics? Analysis of the nature and social impact of computer technology and the corresponding formulation and justification of policies for the ethical use of such technology Why study computer ethics? Four key technology trends that raise ethical issues Rapid advances in computing power Advances in data storage Advances in data mining Advances in telecommunications

Computer Ethics – Example Topics Ownership and Intellectual Properties Security and Computer Crime Liability and Reliability

Computer Ethics – Example Topics (Cont) Ownership and Intellectual Properties Intellectual property rights -- Bundles of exclusive rights over creations of the mind, both artistic and commercial Copyright Patent Trademark Trade secret Protection of intellectual property rights protects creativity

Computer Ethics – Example Topics (Cont) Security and Computer Crime Computer crime -- criminal activity where a computer or network is the source, tool, target, or place of a crime (Wikipedia) crime that is directly targeted at the computer or computer system crime that uses the Internet crime that involves the retrieval of digital data of evidential value Offending related laws Moral obligation to ensure the IT system to be properly secured.

Computer Ethics – Example Topics (Cont) Liability and Reliability Given that it is impossible to deliver a bug-free program… Should a company or a person be accountable for an incident caused by the program? Should he/she be responsible, deserve blame, or be liable to punishment? Examples Customer blames bankruptcy on IBM IT failure “Vaporware” – software/hardware products announced and promoted well in advance of release; products brought to the market prematurely without adequate testing

American LaFrance (ALF), the “leading brand of custom-made fire fighting, fire rescue vehicles, ambulances, and heavy-duty work refuse vehicles,” has declared bankruptcy, blaming IBM and a failed ERP implementation. … Almost immediately upon the changeover to the ERP System, ALF recognized serious deficiencies with the system that had a crippling impact on ALF’s operations. … ALF is currently analyzing potential causes of action against IBM based upon services provided by IBM in connection with the problem-riddled transition to the ERP System.

ACM /IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics Software engineers shall adhere to the following Eight Principles: 1. PUBLIC – Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest. 2. CLIENT AND EMPLOYER - Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer consistent with the public interest.

ACM /IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics 3. PRODUCT - Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible. 4. JUDGMENT - Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.

ACM /IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics 5. MANAGEMENT - Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance. 6. PROFESSION - Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.

ACM /IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics 7. COLLEAGUES - Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues. 8. SELF - Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.

Steps for Ethical Analysis Identify and formulate the basic ethical issues in each case. Consider the legal issues and see if there is a conflict between law and morality Check with your moral intuition Consult appropriate guidelines (e.g., ACM) Analyze the issues from viewpoints of different ethical theories Come up with normative conclusion (organization’s and individual’s course of action) 16 16

References www.isworld.org www.ethicsweb.ca/codes http://www.acm.org/about/se-code ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, G Walshham, Ethical Theory, Code and Ethics and IS Practice, Information Systems Journal, pp. 69- 81, 1996 D G Johnson, Computer Ethics, Prentice Hall, 2001 Richard A. Spinello, Case Studies in Information and Computer Ethics, Prentice Hall, 1997