1. Information Technology INT1001
Lecture 11
Ethical, Legal & Social Issues in IT

2. Computers Are Your Future Tenth Edition
Chapter 1: Computers & You
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

3. *
07/16/96
Ethics
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall *

4. Computer Ethics for Computer Users*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Users
An ethical principle is the justification used to determine whether a rule or act is morally right or wrong.
Computer ethics take basic ethical principles and apply them to daily computer use.
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5. Computer Ethics for Computer Users*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Users
An act is considered ethical if:
Society would benefit if everyone acted in the same manner.
It treats people as an end rather than a means to an end.
Impartial observers would rate it as fair to all concerned parties.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall *

6. Computers, Society, & You
Computer ethics involve moral dilemmas relating to computer usage.
Unethical behavior includes sending viruses, stealing credit card information, computer stalking, and installing illegitimate copies of software on computers.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

7. Computer Ethics for Computer Users*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Users
The acceptable- use policy is a set of rules to be followed when using computers at school or a place of business.
This is Figure 1B.
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8. Computer Ethics for Computer Users*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Users
Rules for using school or business computers:
Respect yourself
Never give account passwords to others
Never use the Internet in a manner that may reflect badly on you
Respect others
Share computer resources
Act professionally
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9. Computer Ethics for Computer Users*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Users
Rules for using school or business computers (continued):
Respect academic integrity
Cite text copied from the Internet
Obtain permission to use pictures from the Internet
Refrain from misusing software
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10. Computer Ethics for Computer Users*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Users
Ten Commandments for Computer Ethics—Background
Developed by the Computer Ethics Institute of the Brookings Institution
Applicable for computer programmers, system designers, and all computer users
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall *

11. Computer Ethics for Computer Users*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Users
The Ten Commandments include:
Not using computers to hurt or interfere with computer work of others
Not looking at others’ files or using the computer to steal from or lie about others
Not using or copying proprietary software that was not purchased by the user
Not using others’ computer resources or intellectual property without authorization
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12. Computer Ethics for Computer Users*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Users
Netiquette
A series of guidelines to be followed when using the Internet
Results in a more respectful environment
Use with discussion forums and and instant messages
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13. Computer Ethics for Computer Users*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Users
While psychologists do not agree regarding the effects of playing violent computer video games, the fact is that computer video games are becoming more violent.
This is Figure 1D.
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14. Computer Ethics for Organizations*
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Computer Ethics for Organizations
Although common, employees should not conduct personal business on their computers while at work.
Businesses and organizations have an obligation to protect their data from being lost or damaged and from inaccuracies and misuse.
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15. Computer Ethics for Computer Professionals*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Professionals
Professionals should follow a code of professional ethics.
Many professional groups develop codes of conduct for their members to follow.
This is Figure 1F.
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16. Computer Ethics for Computer Professionals*
07/16/96
Computer Ethics for Computer Professionals
The most important goals at the heart of each code of ethics for computer professionals should be to ensure that human life is protected and to safeguard others from harm or injury.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall *

17. It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too*
07/16/96
It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too
Plagiarism
Is the use of another’s ideas, writings, or intellectual property without his or her permission
Is unethical and illegal
Has existed for a long time
Is now easier, and therefore more tempting, because of the Internet
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18. It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too*
07/16/96
It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too
Copyright infringement occurs when copyrighted material is plagiarized.
The fair use doctrine allows limited use of copyrighted material for research, education, and commentary.
Use brief selection
May not compromise the commercial value of the original work
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19. It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too*
07/16/96
It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too
Libel
The publication of untrue assertions about a person or entity that results in injury to the person or entity.
Ease of computer use makes it ripe for libel.
Posting a document on the Internet is publishing it.
Ensure that anything you publish is true.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall *

20. It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too*
07/16/96
It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too
Software piracy: Copying or distributing copyrighted software.
Users purchase a software license.
The license grants that user the right to back up and install the software.
Software may only be used on one machine at a time.
Making copies for others is illegal.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall *

21. It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too*
07/16/96
It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too
Public domain software
Free to users
May be copied and modified without any legal repercussions
Shareware
Users may use freely during a trial period.
Users must buy the software to continue use.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall *

22. It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too*
07/16/96
It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too
General Public License (GPL)
Under the auspices of the Free Software Foundation
Users may copy, use, and modify freely as long as software
Site license: A contract that permits an entity to install software on multiple computers at a reduced cost.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall *

23. It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too*
07/16/96
It’s Not Just Unethical, It’s Illegal Too
Sharing copyrighted files is illegal.
Includes music and movies
May result in fines or jail terms
Does not matter whether user is downloading the copyrighted files for his or her own use or uploading the files to share with others
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall *

24. Computers, Society, & You
Computers provide disabled and disadvantaged people with added support and opportunities.
E-learning, through the use of computers, allows students to learn without requiring them to be at a specific location at a specific time.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

25. Computers, Society, & You
Being a responsible computer user starts with understanding how one’s manner of computer use affects others.
Be aware of e-waste and the proper disposal of outdated computer hardware.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

26. Computers, Society, & You
When using computer hardware:
Do not plug too many devices into electrical outlets.
Use surge protectors.
Place hardware where it can’t fall or be damaged.
Provide adequate space for air circulation around hardware.
Securely fasten computer cables, cords, and wires.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

27. Computers, Society, & You
Stay informed about advances in computer technology.
Upgrading software will ensure that users have the latest software features.
Staying informed can help users protect themselves from computer viruses.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

28. Computers, Society, & You
Ergonomics
Computer-related Repetitive Stress Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendonitis
Computer Vision Syndrome
Computer Addiction
Green Computing

29. What You’ve Learned
A computer is a device that can perform the information-processing cycle: input, processing, output, and storage.
A computer system is made up of hardware and software.
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30. What You’ve Learned
Some form of risk exists when using computer hardware and software.
Computers can be misused or used as a benefit. Computer ethics guide how a computer should be used.
Computers are causing a shift in employment, creating new job opportunities at the same time.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall

31. What You’ve Learned
Computer users should be responsible and concerned about the effects of their computer actions on others and the environment.
Copyright © 2009 Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Prentice Hall