The Ethics of Computing

Description could include a set of moral guidelines, behaviours or code of conduct of how people should use computer technology and the ten commandments of computer ethics.

Discussions could include reference to data protection, collection and storing of personal information, GDPR, network protection, hacking, cyber security, responsibilities of the individual, Data Privacy Act and Computer Misuse Act.

Provide at least three examples of unethical behaviour. Could consider cyberbullying, trolling, software piracy, phishing, employees’ use of equipment, leaking of sensitive information, abuse of privileged access, the distribution of misinformation or limiting access to information and freedom of information.

Consider both positive and negative issues where applicable.

• Digital Divide - could consider UK-wide or global, rural or urban, financial issues, or roll out of fibre broadband, education, political. Could consider access to laptop, tablet or mobile phone technology as part discussions.
• Employee monitoring – could consider keylogging, screen video and capture, GPS tracking, time tracking, file tracking, email and phone monitoring, GDPR and Data Privacy Act legislation, CCTV, biometrics.
• Health risks – time spent sat at a desk, ergonomics, eyesight, use of technology to track and provide exercise/movement.

Consider energy consumption, environmental waste, consumables, hazardous substances, life cycle of hardware. Consider what manufacturers can do, what businesses and organisations can do and what individuals can do.

Include discussions on the use of patents, copyright and trademarks in the context of software and/or hardware.

Consider the rise of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, wearable technologies, big data, activity monitoring and machine learning.