Society Law and Ethics Class 11 Notes

Digital Footprints
The websites we visit, the emails we send, any information we post online, our IP address, and
any work done on a computer are known as a digital footprint.
Example of digital footprint
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 Search history
 Posting photos on Instagram or Facebook.
 Commenting on a YouTube video.
 Writing reviews for products online.
 Like/ dislike in social media
 Browser history
We leave two different types of digital footprints.
1. Active digital footprint – When you share information, post pictures, give likes and
comments or log in to the website, all this comes in an active digital footprint.
2. Passive digital footprints – When the data is collected from your computer without
your knowledge, like search history, cookies, tracking devices, location, etc.
Digital Society and Netizen
A netizen is an internet citizen who actively uses the internet or internet spaces. Responsible
netizens usually respect others’ privacy and security, protect their privacy, think before posting,
verify information, follow digital laws and ethics, etc.
Net Etiquettes
When we engage with others, we adhere to specific social norms. Similar to this, we must act
appropriately and politely when using the internet. While online, one should behave ethically,
respectfully, and responsibly.
Be Ethical
 No copyright violation – We should not use copyrighted materials without the
permission of the creator or owner.
 Share the expertise – It is beneficial to share expertise and information online so that
others can use it. However, we must be confident that we are sufficiently
knowledgeable about a subject before sharing any information.
Be Respectful
 Respect privacy: As good digital citizens we have the right to privacy and the freedom of
personal expression. At the same time, we have to understand that other digital citizens
also have the same rights and freedoms.
 Respect diversity: in a group or public forum, we should respect the diversity of the
people in terms of knowledge, experience, culture and other aspects.
Be Responsible
 Avoid cyber bullying: We have to avoid insulting, degrading or intimidating online
behaviour like repeated posting of rumours, giving threats online, posting the victim’s
personal information or sexual harassment. We need to realise that bullying online can
have very serious implications on the other person (victim).
 Don’t feed the troll: An Internet troll is someone who intentionally sows conflict online
by provoking arguments, upsetting people, or by publishing controversial or irrelevant
statements in online communities for fun.
Communication Etiquettes
Email, texting, instant messaging, cell phone conversations, audio and video conferencing,
forum posting, social networking site posting, etc. are all examples of digital communication. All
of them are great opportunities to interact with others and share information, ideas, and
knowledge.
Be Precise
 Respect time – we should not waste precious time in responding to unnecessary emails
or comments unless they have some relevance for us.
 Respect data limits – For concerns related to data and bandwidth, very large
attachments may be avoided. Rather send compressed files or link.
Be Polite
 we should be polite and non-aggressive in our communication. We should avoid being
abusive even if we don’t agree with others’ point of view.
Be Credible
 We should be cautious while making a comment, replying or writing an email or forum
post as such acts decide our credibility over a period of time.
Social Media Etiquettes
We are familiar with several social networking platforms and may even have an account there.
These websites enable users to submit or upload photographs of their ideas and experiences. It
has started to influence how politics, business, entertainment, education, and other things turn
out. There are certain social media etiquettes we must adhere to as well.
Online education platform
Be Secure
 Choose password wisely – Users need to be aware of how to protect themselves and
their accounts. Having a strong password that is updated periodically is the way to
minimize the risk from hackers.
 Know who you befriend – We must take precautions while making friends with
strangers because their motives may be dangerous and harmful.
 Beware of fake information – In social networks, fake posts, messages, and news are
common. We should be aware of them as users.
Be Reliable
 Think before uploading – On social networks, almost anything can be uploaded. But
keep in mind that once posted, the file remains on the remote server even if we delete
it. Therefore, we must tread cautiously while transmitting or uploading private or
sensitive files that could compromise our privacy.
Data Protection
Every nation in the globe has its unique data protection legislation (laws). These policies, which
are formal legal papers, give the user instructions on how to handle, store, and transmit
sensitive data. The goal of putting these policies into place is to guarantee that sensitive data is
properly protected from change or disclosure.
Intellectual Property Right (IPR)
It is the inventor’s intellectual property if they come up with a novel idea. Intellectual property
includes innovations, literary and artistic works, visual arts, names, and logos. The originator or
intellectual property owner is the rightful proprietor of such concepts.
Copyright
Copyright gives creators legal protection for their original works, including writing,
photography, audio and video recordings, computer software, sculptures, architectural
creations, and other types of creative output like literary and artistic works. Copyrights are
automatically granted to creators and authors.
Patent
Inventions are granted a patent. In opposed to copyright, the creator must submit an
application (file) to patent the innovation. After receiving a patent, the owner gains the only
authority to prohibit anyone from making, using, or selling the invention.
Trademark
Any visual symbol, word, name, design, slogan, label, etc. that sets the brand or business apart
from other brands or businesses is considered a trademark.
Violation of IPR
The following are some ways that intellectual property rights may be violated –
Plagiarism
Text, images, and videos may all be easily copied or shared. Plagiarism is the process of
representing the thoughts or works of another person as one’s own. Plagiarism is defined as the
act of taking someone else’s work and using it without crediting the author name or source.
Copyright Infringement
When we utilise someone else’s creative work without asking permission or, if the work is being
sold, without paying for it, we are infringing their copyright.
Trademark Infringement
Unauthorized use of another’s trademark on goods and services is known as trademark
infringement. Anyone who violates a trademark registered to them may face legal action from
the trademark owner.
Open Source Software and Licensing
Open source software is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute. Open-source
software does not require any licence. There are different types of open source licences
available.
 Creative Common License (CC): All types of creative works, like images, music, movies,
books and text, can have a creative licence. Creative Commons licences give authority to
use the creative works freely, but you have to give proper attribution. For example,
Wikipedia articles use Creative Commons licensing.
 General Public License (GPL): Another free software licence, the GNU GPL, allows users
to run, study, share, and modify the software while also receiving frequent updates. For
example, The Linux operating system is licensed under GPL.
 Apache License: Allows users to freely modify and distribute software with minimal
restriction. For example, Apache web server software uses the Apache licence.
Cyber Crime
To disrupt or harm data or services, a cybercriminal targets a computer or a network that
connects it to other computers. Additionally, a cybercriminal could spread viruses and other
malware in order to obtain private and confidential data for extortion and blackmail.
Cybercrimes are committed with the goal to directly or indirectly cause physical harm, financial
loss, or mental harassment against an individual, a group, an organisation, or even a country.
Hacking
Unauthorized access to a computer, computer network, or other digital system is known as
hacking. Hackers frequently possess technical knowledge of both software and hardware. They
search for bugs that they can use to access the system.
Eavesdropping
Eavesdropping, also known as sniffing or snooping, is the act of secretly listening to private
online communications, such as email or phone calls. This can be done using spyware or an
unsecured Wi-Fi network.
Phishing and Fraud Emails
Phishing is an illegal practise in which users are provided with false websites or emails that
appear genuine or original in order to illegally obtain sensitive and personal information,
including usernames, passwords, banking information, and credit card numbers.
Identity Theft – Identity thieves are increasingly leveraging personal data obtained illegally
from computers or computer networks to conduct fraud.
Ransomware
The attacker gains access to the computer in this case and prevents the user from using it,
typically by encrypting the data. When a ransom is not paid, the attacker may threaten to
disclose the victim’s private and sensitive information or photos or use blackmail to force the
victim to pay for access to the data.
Cyber trolls
People who post harmful comments online or spread false information or harass individuals are
known as ‘cyber trolls’.
Cyber bullying
If any user using technology harasses others, threatens others, spreads rumours, posts
embarrassing photos or sends abusive messages is known as cyberbullying.
Combatting and Preventing Cyber Crime
With the dual strategy of being cautious and seeking legal assistance, the difficulties of
cybercrime can be reduced.
The following items can be thought of as safety precautions to lower the danger of cybercrime:
 Take regular backup of important data
 Use an antivirus software and keep it updated always
 Avoid installing pirated software. Always download software from known and secure
(HTTPS) sites
 Always update the system software which include the Internet browser and other
application software
 Do not visit or download anything from untrusted websites
 In most cases, the browser warns users about dubious websites whose security
certificate could not be confirmed; stay away from such sites.
 For web logins, use strong passwords, and change them frequently. Use a different
password for each website. Use a variety of alphanumeric character combinations,
including special characters. Don’t include common names or words in your password
 Don’t let your browser remember your password or auto-fill information when using
someone else’s computer, and attempt to browse in a private browser window.
Indian Information Technology Act (IT Act)
The Information Technology Act, 2000 (commonly known as the IT Act) of the Government of
India, as revised in 2008, offers instructions to the user on the handling, storing, and transfer of
sensitive data.
There are cyber cells in police stations in various Indian states where one can report any
cybercrime. By recognising digital signatures and electronic records, the legislation creates a
legal framework for electronic government. The statute describes cybercrimes and their
associated consequences.
Impact on Health
We are spending more time in front of screens, whether on our phones, laptops, desktop
computers, televisions, gaming consoles, or music or sound equipment, as digital technologies
have permeated several industries. However, conversing while hunched over might be
detrimental to our health on both a physical and mental level.
The science of ergonomics is the design or arrangement of workplaces, including the systems,
furniture, and equipment, to make them safe and comfortable for the user. We can lessen the
burden on our bodies thanks to ergonomics, including weariness and ailments brought on by
continuous use.
E-Waste –
Whenever an electronic device covers up its working life, or becomes non-usable due to
technological advancements or becomes non-functional, it is not used anymore and comes
under the category of e-waste or electronic waste. As the technology is changing day by day,
more and more electronic devices are becoming non-functional and turning into e-waste.
Managing such non-functional electronic devices is termed as e-waste management.
Ewaste Hazards - On environment
➢ Acidification of soil ➢ Air pollution ➢ Pollution of ground water ➢ Landfills with lead and
heavy metalsOn Human Health ➢ Lung cancer ➢ DNA damage ➢ Asthmatic bronchitis ➢
Chronic damage to the brain ➢ Damage to heart, liver and spleen.
E-waste management
It is defined as the practical and holistic approach and the founding pillar of cutting down waste
from our mother earth. It is reusing and recycling of e-waste which is no longer in use and can
be salved for some of its components. We are on the verge of a technological breakthrough
with the introduction of AI and we need to dispose off toxic e-waste from our home before we
pile up more and more e-waste. We are is dire need of introducing a customer awareness
campaign because of lack of interest and knowledge regarding e-waste. Proper disposal of used
electronic gadgets E-waste is a growing problem for us in India. As an 132cr strong economy, we
produce e- waste in large quantities. It is very important to dispose off waste in a pragmatic
manner.
Ways to dispose off e-waste:
1. Give Back to Your Electronic Companies and Drop Off Points 2. Visit Civic Institutions 3.
Donating Your Outdated Technology 4. Sell Off Your Outdated Technology 5. Give Your Electronic
Waste to a Certified E-Waste Recycler
Awareness of Health concerns related to the usage of technology.
Physical Problems:
• Repetitive Strain Injury: the pain exists even when resting and that the lightest work becomes
hard to do.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This is an illness caused by injuries that occur due to force on the
median nerve found in the [Link] symptoms can occur as tingling in hands and fingers and the
feeling of lethargy, sudden pain in wrists and arms and sometimes even in shoulders, neck and
in the body
• Computer Vision Syndrome: Experts stated that people blink their eyes more frequently while
using a computer than they do at other times and that they face some problems related to this
situation.
• Radiation: Computer screens produce radiations of various types. There have always been
doubts that Individuals will have illnesses such as headaches and inattentiveness
• Sleeping Disorders and Decrease in Productivity
• Loss of Attention and Stress
Awareness of Health concerns related to the usage of technology.
Psychological Problems:
➢ Fear of technology
➢ Computer anxiety
➢ Internet addiction
• Egosurfing: An illness of regularly searching for one’s own name on the web and checking
what information is available about one’s own on the net.
• Infornography: The word, derived from pornography and information, describes the state of
"trying to soothe hunger for information on the net.”
• Blog streaking: A desire to spread information online that shouldn’t be known by everybody.
• Youtube-Narcissism: Constantly uploading one’s own videos in order to introduce and make
himself or herself known tooth ers.
• Google-Stalking: Trying to get information about all his or her relatives or acquaintances in the
web.
• Photolurking: Looking at the photo albums of others’ on the net.
• Wikipediholism: Contributing to the internet encyclopedia, Wikipedia, sending some one’s
own writings, and revising the present texts.
Digital Society
 What It Is: A digital society refers to a community that interacts and communicates
through digital platforms like social media, forums, and messaging apps. It’s like being
part of a global neighborhood where everything happens online.
 Importance: In a digital society, how you interact online can affect your reputation,
relationships, and even your future opportunities. Just as you follow social rules in person,
there are digital rules to follow to make online interactions smooth and respectful.
Net Etiquette
 What It Is: Net etiquette, or netiquette, is the set of rules for behaving well online. It’s like
having manners for the internet, ensuring that everyone has a positive experience.
 Examples:
 o Be Polite: Just like in face-to-face conversations, be respectful and kind in your
messages and posts. Saying “please” and “thank you” goes a long way.
o Avoid SHOUTING: Using all caps in online communication can come across as
shouting. So, use regular capitalization to keep things calm and friendly.
o Respect Privacy: Don’t share other people’s private information or
conversations without permission. It’s similar to not discussing someone’s
personal life in public.
Communication Etiquette
 What It Is: Communication etiquette covers the manners and guidelines for effective and
respectful online communication. It ensures that your messages are clear and
considerate.
 Examples:
o Be Clear and Concise: Write in a way that’s easy to understand. Avoid using too
much jargon or complex language. It’s like giving clear instructions so your
friend knows exactly what you mean.
o Respond in a Timely Manner: If someone reaches out to you, try to respond
within a reasonable time. It shows you value their communication, much like
replying to a text from a friend promptly.
o Use Emojis Wisely: Emojis can help express emotions but don’t overuse them.
They’re like the facial expressions in a face-to-face conversation—use them to
add context, not to replace words.
Social Media Etiquette
 What It Is: Social media etiquette involves how to behave on platforms like Facebook,
Instagram, and Twitter. It’s about maintaining a positive online presence and interacting
respectfully.
 Examples:
o Think Before You Post: Before sharing something, consider if it’s appropriate
and if it could affect others. It’s like checking if a joke is suitable before telling it
in front of a group.
o Tagging and Mentioning: Tag people or mention them only if it’s relevant to
them and if you have their consent. It’s like making sure your friends are okay
with being included in a group photo before posting it.
o Avoid Overposting: Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers.
Think of it like not dominating a conversation share interesting content, but
don’t flood everyone’s feed.
Real-World Example
Imagine your online interactions as hosting a party. You want to make sure your guests are
comfortable, enjoy themselves, and feel respected. Following netiquette, communication
etiquette, and social media manners is like being a great host making sure everyone has a
good time and feels valued.
Being a good netizen involves understanding and applying these digital manners to ensure
everyone has a pleasant experience online. Just as you’d be considerate and respectful in
person, do the same in your digital interactions.
Data Protection and Intellectual Property Rights
Data Protection and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
 What It Is: Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal protections for creations of the
mind, including inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images used in
 commerce. They ensure creators and inventors can control and benefit from their
creations.
Types of Intellectual Property Rights
1. Copyright
 What It Is: Copyright protects original works of authorship, like books, music, films,
and software. If you write a story or create a painting, copyright gives you the right to
control how it’s used and shared.
 Example: Imagine you’ve written a cool short story. Copyright means that others can’t
publish or copy your story without your permission.
2. Patent
 What It Is: Patents protect new inventions or discoveries, giving the inventor exclusive
rights to make, use, or sell their invention for a set period (usually 20 years). It’s like a
reward for inventing something new.
 Example: If you invent a new type of smartphone that folds in a unique way, a patent
would prevent others from making or selling your design without your consent.
3. Trademark
 What It Is: Trademarks protect brands, logos, and symbols that distinguish goods or
services. It’s like a unique stamp that identifies the source of a product.
 Example: The Nike “swoosh” logo is a trademark. It tells you that the product is from
Nike and not from another company.

IPR Components
Violations of Intellectual Property Rights
1. Plagiarism
 What It Is: Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work or ideas without proper
acknowledgment. It’s like copying a friend’s homework and pretending it’s your own.
 Example: If you copy a paragraph from an article and include it in your own paper
without citing the source, that’s plagiarism.
2. Copyright Infringement
 What It Is: Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses a copyrighted work
without permission. It’s like downloading a movie or music illegally.
 Example: Sharing a music file you downloaded from an illegal site is copyright
infringement because you’re using someone’s work without their consent.
3. Trademark Infringement
  What It Is: Trademark infringement happens when someone uses a trademark that’s
similar enough to cause confusion with the original brand. It’s like creating a logo that
looks too much like the original Nike swoosh.
 Example: If you start a clothing line and use a logo that looks a lot like the Nike
swoosh, that could be trademark infringement.
Why It Matters
 Protecting Creativity: IPR helps protect the hard work and innovation of creators and
inventors. It ensures they get credit and rewards for their efforts, much like how you’d
want to be acknowledged for your project or idea.
 Avoiding Legal Trouble: Violating IPR can lead to legal consequences, including fines and
legal action. It’s like getting caught cheating on an exam you could face serious
repercussions.
 Encouraging Innovation: By respecting IPR, we support and encourage new ideas and
creativity. It’s like applauding someone who invents a new game, making them want to
create even more.
Real-World Example
Imagine you’re a student who writes a fantastic story. Copyright ensures that no one can
publish it as their own. If someone does copy it without permission, they’re infringing on your
rights. Think of IPR as the rules of a game that help everyone play fair and respect each
other's contributions.
Open Source Software
 What It Is: Open source software (OSS) is software with source code that anyone can
inspect, modify, and enhance. It’s like having a recipe that you can tweak to suit your
taste or even share with friends. The idea is that the more people work on it, the better it
becomes.
 Examples: Popular examples of open source software include the Mozilla Firefox browser,
the LibreOffice suite, and the Linux operating system . These tools are developed and
maintained by communities of volunteers and organizations.
Types of Open Source Licenses
1. Creative Commons (CC)
 What It Is: Creative Commons licenses are used mainly for creative works like art,
music, and writing. They let creators specify how others can use their work. Think of it
as setting rules for how your artwork or writing can be shared or adapted.
 Types of CC Licenses:
o CC BY: Allows others to use and modify your work as long as they give you
credit.
o CC BY-SA: Allows others to remix your work as long as they share their new
creation under the same terms.
o CC BY-ND: Allows others to use your work, but not to modify it.
 Example: If you create a fantastic illustration and choose a CC BY license, others can
use and modify your illustration as long as they credit you.
2. GNU General Public License (GPL)
 What It Is: The GPL is a license used for software that ensures it remains free and
open for everyone to use, modify, and distribute. It’s like a guarantee that the
software will stay free and open for everyone who uses it.
 Key Features:
 o Copyleft: Any software derived from GPL-licensed software must also be
GPL-licensed. This means that improvements or changes made to the
software must be shared freely.
 Example: The Linux operating system is licensed under the GPL, meaning anyone can
use, modify, and distribute Linux, as long as they also share their changes under the
same GPL license.
3. Apache License
 What It Is: The Apache License is another open source license that allows users to
freely use, modify, and distribute software. It’s a bit more flexible compared to the
GPL, allowing for both open and proprietary use.
 Key Features:
o Grants Patent Rights: Provides a patent grant to users, protecting them
from patent claims related to the software.
o Compatible with Other Licenses: Can be combined with other licenses
more easily than GPL.
 Example: The Apache HTTP Server is licensed under the Apache License, meaning
developers can use and modify the server software while integrating it into both open
source and proprietary projects.
Why It Matters
 Freedom to Innovate: Open source software and licenses encourage innovation by
allowing anyone to contribute and build upon existing projects. It’s like a group project
where everyone’s ideas can make the final result better.
 Cost-Efficiency: OSS can be a cost-effective option for individuals and organizations since
it’s often available for free. It’s like getting a high-quality tool or resource without having
to pay for it.
 Community Collaboration: Open source projects often involve vibrant communities of
users and developers who help each other and improve the software collectively. It’s like
being part of a club where everyone shares their skills and knowledge to create something
amazing.
Real-World Example
Imagine you’re part of a school project where everyone contributes different sections to a
report. An open source license is like agreeing on how the final report can be used and shared
—whether others can add to it, modify it, or use it in other ways. Creative Commons might let
others share your work as long as they credit you, GPL ensures any changes made are also
shared freely, and Apache gives flexibility while also protecting against patent issues.
Understanding these licenses helps you know how you can use, share, and contribute to
software and creative works responsibly. It’s all about respecting others’ work while also
benefiting from a collaborative and open environment.