What is

Computer
Ethics?
Prof. Dr. Meltem huri
Baturay
Introduction
● Definition: Computer ethics are moral principles that guide
the use of computers.
● Purpose: To influence behavior and prevent harm in the
field of technology.
● Importance: Shaping social conduct and interactions,
especially in the era of the internet.
what is computer ethics?
Ethics in Computer Science
● Ethics in computer science, often referred to as "computer ethics," is a critical
aspect of the field that addresses the moral and social implications of technology
and the responsible use of computer systems.
Key Ethical Considerations in Computer Science
● The key ethical considerations in computer science are:
○ Privacy
○ Security
○ Transparency and Accountability
○ Intellectual Property
○ Access and Inclusivity
○ Data Ethics
○ Professional Responsibility
○ Social Implications
○ Environmental Impact
○ Emerging Technologies
○ Global Considerations
○ Ethical Decision-Making
○ Continuous Learning and Education
○ Whistleblowing
Ethics in Computer Science
● Privacy

Respect individuals' privacy and protect their personal information. Ensure that
data collection and processing are done transparently and with consent.
● Security

Develop and implement secure systems to safeguard data and protect against cyber
threats. Avoid hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized access.
Ethics in Computer Science
● Transparency and Accountability

Be transparent about how algorithms and AI systems make decisions. Ensure

accountability when errors or biases occur in computer systems.
● Intellectual Property

Respect intellectual property rights by not engaging in software piracy, plagiarism,

or unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
Ethics in Computer Science
● Access and Inclusivity

Strive for equal access to technology and digital resources. Avoid creating or perpetuating digital
divides that leave some communities disadvantaged.
● Data Ethics

Handle data ethically by ensuring its accuracy, relevance, and appropriate use. Avoid data
manipulation and bias in algorithms.
● Professional Responsibility

Uphold professional standards and codes of conduct in the field of computer science. Act with
integrity, honesty, and responsibility in your work.
Ethics in Computer Science
● Social Implications

Consider the broader societal impact of technology. Anticipate and address potential harm
caused by the deployment of computer systems.
● Environmental Impact

Minimize the environmental footprint of technology by designing energy-efficient systems

and responsibly disposing of electronic waste.
Ethics in Computer Science
● Emerging Technologies

Be cautious and consider the ethical implications of emerging technologies like artificial
intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and biotechnology.
● Global Considerations

Recognize that ethical standards may vary across cultures. Be aware of international laws and
standards when working on global projects.
● Ethical Decision-Making

Use ethical frameworks and principles to guide decision-making in complex situations. Seek
advice and collaborate with colleagues to make ethical choices.
Ethics in Computer Science
● Continuous Learning and Education

Stay informed about emerging ethical issues in computer science and engage in ongoing education
to understand the evolving landscape.
● Whistleblowing

If you encounter unethical practices in your workplace, consider appropriate channels for reporting
and whistleblowing to address the issues.

Computer scientists have a responsibility to consider the ethical implications of their work.

Ethical considerations should be an integral part of the design, development, and deployment
of computer systems to ensure that technology benefits society as a whole.
The History of Computer Ethics
● 1950: Norbert Wiener's predictions during World War II.
● 1973: ACM* adopts its first code of ethics.
● 1976: Walter Maner** coins the term "computer ethics."
● 1985: James Moor's essay "What Is Computer Ethics?"
● Deborah Johnson's "Computer Ethics" textbook.
● Following the rise of the internet, ethical theories and debates about computer
ethics have shifted significantly
International Society for Ethics and Information Technology
*Association for Computing Machinery

**Walter Maner, a philosopher who teaches computer science at Bowling Green University, is credited with coin- ing the actual term "computer ethics" in 1976, although he states that it is still too early to
provide a formal definition for the term.
Evolution of Computer Ethics
● Initially focused on privacy, data security, and intellectual property concerns.
● New ethical dilemmas emerged with advancements like AI, automation, and IoT.
● Issues expanded to include algorithmic bias, digital rights, and internet governance.
● Cybercrime and cybersecurity threats introduced new ethical considerations.
● Constantly adapting to address emerging technologies and their ethical implications.
Computers as Amplifiers of Existing Ethical Issues
● Social media platforms amplify issues like cyberbullying, misinformation, and
polarization.
● Automation and AI raise concerns about job displacement, discrimination, and
privacy erosion.
● Digitization of communication and commerce leads to new forms of fraud and online
harassment.
● Computers exacerbate existing ethical dilemmas by enabling rapid dissemination and
scale.
Common Concerns and Considerations
● Ethical issues in computing and information technology.
○ Cybercrime: Rapidly evolving threats. (hacking, malware, viruses, worms, phishing, Trojan horses, and so on,
cybercriminals - hackers can steal money and data, commit fraud, traffic in illegal content and intellectual property, and commit identity
theft.)

○ Privacy and security: Digital rights and online safety. (Digital security, anonymity, information
ethics, and information privacy online can be hugely important to people. However, threats abound, from companies secretly tracking – and
selling – online activity, to individual people cyberbullying and doxing other people.)

○ Intellectual property: Theft and unauthorized distribution. (Theft or the unauthorised distribution
of digital content, copyrighted content, and intellectual property is an ongoing issue online, with everything from art and entertainment
media to software and innovative products shared illegally online.)

Cybercrime

Types of Cybercrime

How to protect yourself

*Doxing (sometimes written as Doxxing) is the act of revealing identifying information about someone online, such as their real name, home address,
workplace, phone, financial, and other personal information. That information is then circulated to the public — without the victim's permission. doxing
Computer Ethics in Practice
Personal Ethics:

● Individual beliefs, values, and principles guiding behavior.

● Subjective, influenced by upbringing, culture, and experiences.
● Includes honesty, integrity, fairness, and respect.
● Applied across personal, social, and professional contexts.
● Self-imposed and reflective of character.

Organizational Codes of Conduct:

● Formal rules established by organizations.

● Based on legal requirements, industry standards, and ethics.
● Outline expectations for behavior and compliance.
● Address issues like conflicts of interest and confidentiality.
● Enforced through policies, training, and disciplinary actions.

In essence, personal ethics are individual beliefs guiding behavior, while organizational codes of conduct are formal rules set by
organizations to ensure ethical behavior among members.
Computer Ethics in Practice
● BCS Code of Conduct: Key ethical principles:
○ You make IT for everyone. (Working together to address issues in your profession and in wider
society, you want everyone to have access to IT. You share what you know, uphold standards and conduct yourself
professionally and fairly at all times.)
○ Show what you know, learn what you don't. (You have integrity and show
competence, but you know you don’t know everything, that’s why you continuously learn and grow and never take
on tasks that you don’t have the skills and resources to complete.)
○ Respect the organization or individual you work for. (you work with due care
and diligence, acting in your client or company’s best interests at all times. You take personal and collective
responsibility for your actions while maintaining discretion and ethical standards.)
○ Keep IT real. Keep IT professional. Pass IT on. (use your voice to help promote it
positively to the world. You support your IT colleagues and other members in their growth both personally and
professionally.)
You make IT for everyone
● PUBLIC INTEREST
● You shall:
○ have due regard for public health, privacy, security and wellbeing of others and
the environment;
○ have due regard for the legitimate rights of third parties;
○ conduct your professional activities without discrimination on the grounds of
sex, sexual orientation, marital status, nationality, colour, race, ethnic origin,
religion, age or disability, or of any other condition or requirement;
○ promote equal access to the benefits of IT and seek to promote the inclusion of
all sectors in society wherever opportunities arise.
Show what you know, learn what you don't
● PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND INTEGRITY
● You shall:
○ only undertake to do work or provide a service that is within your professional competence;
○ NOT claim any level of competence that you do not possess;
○ develop your professional knowledge, skills and competence on a continuing basis, maintaining
awareness of technological developments, procedures, and standards that are relevant to your
field;
○ ensure that you have the knowledge and understanding of legislation and that you comply with
such legislation, in carrying out your professional responsibilities;
○ respect and value alternative viewpoints and seek, accept and offer honest criticisms of work;
○ avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false or malicious or negligent
action or inaction;
○ reject and will not make any offer of bribery or unethical inducement.
Respect the organization or individual you work for

● DUTY TO RELEVANT AUTHORITY

● You shall:
○ carry out your professional responsibilities with due care and diligence in accordance with the relevant
authority’s requirements while exercising your professional judgement at all times;
○ seek to avoid any situation that may give rise to a conflict of interest between you and your relevant
authority;
○ accept professional responsibility for your work and for the work of colleagues who are defined in a
given context as working under your supervision;
○ NOT disclose or authorise to be disclosed, or use for personal gain or to benefit a third party, confidential
information except with the permission of your relevant authority, or as required by legislation;
○ NOT misrepresent or withhold information on the performance of products, systems or services (unless
lawfully bound by a duty of confidentiality not to disclose such information), or take advantage of the
lack of relevant knowledge or inexperience of others.
Keep IT real. Keep IT professional. Pass IT on
● DUTY TO THE PROFESSION
● You shall:
○ accept your personal duty to uphold the reputation of the profession and not take
any action which could bring the profession into disrepute;
○ seek to improve professional standards through participation in their development,
use and enforcement;
○ uphold the reputation and good standing of BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT;
○ act with integrity and respect in your professional relationships with all members
of BCS and with members of other professions with whom you work in a
professional capacity;
○ encourage and support fellow members in their professional development.
The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics
● Do not harm others.
● Do not interfere with others' work.
● Do not snoop in others' files.
● Do not use a computer to steal. (hacking etc.)
● Do not bear false witness. (giving false information, being dishonest)
● Do not use unlicensed software. ( do not copy or use proprietary software for
which you have not paid (without permission).
● Do not misuse computer resources.
● Do not appropriate intellectual output. (do not make plagiarism)
● Consider social consequences. (Think about the social consequences of the
program you are writing or the system you are designing.
● Use computers with respect. (always use a computer in ways that ensure
consideration and respect for other humans.)
Conclusion
● Recap key points about computer ethics.
● Emphasize the importance of ethical considerations in
technology.
● Encourage responsible and ethical use of computers.
Q&A
Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of computer ethics?

● A. To create new technology.

● B. To influence behavior and prevent harm.
● C. To promote computer science research.
● D. To develop computer software.
Q&A
Question 2:
Which of the following is NOT a concern related to computer ethics?

● A. Cybercrime
● B. Environmental pollution
● C. Privacy and security
● D. Intellectual property theft
 Q&A
Question 3:
According to the BCS Code of Conduct, what should IT professionals do regarding
their competencies?

● A. Take on any task, regardless of skills.

● B. Only take on tasks they have the competencies for.
● C. Avoid taking on any tasks.
● D. Keep their competencies secret.
Q&A
Question 4:

What is one way computer ethics has evolved with technology, as mentioned in the
presentation?

● A. It has become less relevant.

● B. Computers have created entirely new ethical problems.
● C. Traditional ethics have become obsolete.
● D. Computers have eliminated all ethical issues.
Q&A
Question 5:

In computer ethics, what does the BCS Code of Conduct emphasize regarding the
interests of IT professionals?

● A. Act in their own best interest.

● B. Maintain complete discretion.
● C. Act in the best interest of their clients or companies.
● D. Avoid professional growth.
Q&A
Question 6:
What is the suggested approach for using computers, according to the last
commandment of the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics?

● A. Use computers for personal gain.

● B. Use computers without regard for others.
● C. Use computers with consideration and respect for other humans.
● D. Use computers without considering consequences.
Resources
● Ethical Problems in Computing
● Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Impacts - GCSE Computer Science