Computer ethics

COMPUTER ETHICS

Computer ethics is the set of commonly agreed principles that govern the use of computers. Like ethics more generally, computer ethics is essentially a set of philosophical guidelines or moral standards that aim to influence behavior and prevent harm.The ten commandment of computer ethics are;

1) Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people;It is unethical to use a computer to harm other people by destroying or manipulating their own files or simply by stealing their own files.

2) Thou shalt not interfere with other peoples computer works;It is unethical to spread or do things that may interfere  or sabotage others computer works or simply by spreading computer viruses.

3) Thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s computer works;It is unethical to look others computer files or works. Everybody should know and practice the word “PRIVACY”.

4) Thou shalt not use computer to steal; It is unethical to use a computer to steal or to take others computer works.

5) Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness;The computer having internet can easily spread gossips as fast as it can. Putting out false matters and information is unethical.

6) Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid;Software is an intellectual product. In that way, it is like a book: Obtaining illegal copies of copyrighted software is as bad as photocopying a copyrighted book.

7) Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or proper compensation;This commandment refers to the word “PLAGIARISM & HACKING”. It is unethical to copy or to take someones file or work without any permission for the original author or the true owner.

8) Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output;Copying somebody’s Intellectual property  without proper authorization is software piracy and is unethical. Intellectual property is a form of ownership, a file or computer work that you made and is entitled as your own.

9) Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing;Computer thru internet can make you do socialization or make or say things that could be spread out not only to your friends but also to the whole world. As a responsible one, always think of the consequences that you may acquire in some things you share or you make.

10) Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow humans;It is ethical to use a computer to show respect to others, to make the computer as a way to show consideration and to show care to others.

According to my Main project theme commandment 2 and 9 are most relevant which says Thou shalt not interfere with other peoples computer works and Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.


References

DUPAH, S.U.P.A.H. (2013) The ten Commandments of Computer Ethics, remultabentekwatro. Available at: https://remultabentekwatro.wordpress.com/28-2/#top (Accessed: November 7, 2022).

What is computer ethics? (2022) North Wales Management School - Wrexham Glyndwr University. Available at: https://online.glyndwr.ac.uk/what-is-computer-ethics/#:~:text=Computer%20ethics%20is%20the%20set,influence%20behaviour%20and%20prevent%20harm. (Accessed: November 7, 2022).