Computer Ethics

Ethics is a set of moral principles that govern the behavior of a group or individual. Therefore, computer ethics is set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers. Some common issues of computer ethics include intellectual property rights (such as copyrighted electronic content), privacy concerns, and how computers affect society.

Computer ethics primarily enforces the ethical implementation and use of computing resources. It includes methods and procedures to avoid infringing copyrights, trademarks and the unauthorized distribution of digital content. Computer ethics also entails the behavior and approach of a human operator, workplace ethics and compliance with the ethical standards that surround computer use.

The core issues surrounding computer ethics are based on the scenarios arising from the use of the Internet, such as Internet privacy, the publication of copyrighted content and user interaction with websites, software and related services.

For example, while it is easy to duplicate copyrighted electronic (or digital) content, computer ethics would suggest that it is wrong to do so without the author’s approval. And while it may be possible to access someone’s personal information on a computer system, computer ethics would advise that such an action is unethical.

As technology advances, computers continue to have a greater impact on society. Therefore, computer ethics promotes the discussion of how much influence computers should have in areas such as artificial intelligence and human communication. As the world of computers evolves, computer ethics continues to create ethical standards that address new issues raised by new technologies.

Importance of computer ethics

• To protect personal & commercial information such as login & password info, credit card and account information and government and commercial databases. It also controls unwanted internet mail and ads (Spam).
• To control plagiarism, student identity fraud, and the use of copyrighted material, etc.
• To make ICT available and accessible to all peoples, including the disabled and the deprived. Accessibility needs to be kept in mind during curriculum design (in educational contexts), in order to maximize the capabilities of the technology
• To suppress dishonest business practices and to protect and encourage fair competition.
• To promote moral and social values in society.