1. CSCI 327 Social Implications of Computing
Course Overview
CSCI 327
Social Implications of Computing

2. Intellectual Property
If I create a software application after hours using my office computer, who owns it?
If I publish an algorithm for decrypting DVDs, how many years will I spend in prison?
Why is that only illegal in the U.S.A.?
Is it legal for Dannelly to put the Nike logo on this powerpoint?

3. Liability
Suppose you buy a new laptop. How are the laws that affect the warranty for the hardware different from the laws that impact the software's warranty? Why are they different?
If you operate a site that has blogging capability, are you responsible for the content that other people post?

4. Privacy Is privacy a right?
Is it legal for Patrice Bruneau (VP of IT for Winthrop) to read my ?
Can a web site gather info about my surfing habits and sell that info?
USA v. EU

5. Professionalism
If someone is required to have a state license to cut my hair, why don't I need a license to create software that controls their bank account, X-ray machine, etc?
If Google's motto is "Do no Evil", why do they help the communist Chinese government suppress free speech?

6. Recurring Points of this Course
Ubiquity of software will increase significantly
you need to understand the implications before the technology is widely deployed
US Technology laws make little sense
laws always lag the technology
laws written and interpreted by non-techs