COMPUTER ETHICS
Comprehensive Study Notes
Topics Covered:
Ethics & Islam | Computer Crime | Intellectual Property | Privacy | Reliability | ACM Code
UNIT 1: Computer Ethics — Introduction
1.1 What is Computer Ethics?
Computer ethics is a branch of applied ethics that studies and analyzes social and ethical impacts
of computer technology on individuals, organizations, and society. It involves identifying ethical
problems arising from the use of computers and developing policies to guide ethical use of
computing resources.
Definition: Computer ethics deals with the ethical and moral issues arising from the development
and use of computers, the internet, and related technologies.
Core Areas of Computer Ethics
• Privacy and data protection
• Intellectual property and software piracy
• Computer crime and security
• Professional responsibility
• Access and equity in computing
• Reliability and safety of computer systems
Why Computer Ethics Matters
The rapid advancement of technology has created new ethical dilemmas that traditional moral
frameworks were not designed to address. Computer ethics fills this gap by providing guidelines for:
• Responsible development and use of software
• Protecting users' rights and personal data
• Ensuring the reliability and safety of computer systems
• Preventing misuse of computing power
1.2 Technology and Ethics with Respect to Islam
Islam provides a comprehensive ethical framework that can be applied to modern technology.
Islamic ethics emphasizes accountability (Hisab), justice (Adl), and the principle of not causing
harm (La Darar wa La Dirar).
Islamic Principles Relevant to Technology
Amanah (Trust): Technology must be used responsibly; misuse of information is a breach of trust
Hifz al-Aql (Protection of intellect): Technology should promote knowledge and intellectual
development
Hifz al-Mal (Protection of property): Piracy and digital theft violate Islamic property rights
Hifz al-Ird (Dignity): Privacy violations and cyber harassment are forbidden
Maslaha (Public interest): Technology should benefit society, not harm it
Islamic View on Computer Ethics Issues
• Hacking and unauthorized access: Forbidden as violation of privacy and property
• Software piracy: Considered theft (Sariqah) in Islamic jurisprudence
• Spreading false information (deepfakes): Prohibited as it constitutes deception (Ghish)
• Surveillance without consent: Violation of personal privacy (Hurmat al-Khususia)
• Protecting personal data: An obligation under Islamic ethics of trust
1.3 Computer Ethics vs. Morality
While related, ethics and morality are distinct concepts in the computing context:
Morality refers to personal beliefs about right and wrong — individual and often culturally
influenced.
Ethics refers to a formal system or code of conduct agreed upon by a group or profession — it is
external and systematic.
Key Distinction: Morality is subjective and personal; ethics is codified and professional. A
programmer may personally find piracy morally acceptable but is still bound by professional ethics
codes that forbid it.
1.4 Ethical Decision Making in Computing
When facing ethical dilemmas in computing, professionals use structured approaches:
Steps in Ethical Decision Making
1. Identify the ethical issue or dilemma
2. Identify all stakeholders affected
3. Consider possible courses of action
4. Evaluate options using ethical frameworks (utilitarian, deontological, virtue ethics)
5. Make a decision and justify it
6. Reflect on the outcome
Ethical Frameworks Used in Computing
Utilitarianism: Choose the action that produces the greatest good for the greatest number
Deontology: Follow rules and duties regardless of consequences (e.g., never violate privacy)
Virtue Ethics: Act as a person of good character would act
Social Contract: Follow norms agreed upon by society for mutual benefit
UNIT 2: Computer Crime and Security
2.1 What is Computer Crime?
Computer crime (also called cybercrime) refers to criminal activities that involve a computer, a
network, or a digital device — either as the tool used to commit the crime or as the target of the
crime.
Categories of Computer Crime
Computer as a Target: Hacking, DoS attacks, malware, unauthorized access
Computer as a Tool: Online fraud, identity theft, cyberstalking, spreading malware
Computer as Incidental: Digital records in drug trafficking, money laundering
Common Types of Computer Crimes
• Unauthorized access to systems (hacking)
• Data theft and corporate espionage
• Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS) attacks
• Phishing and social engineering
• Identity theft
• Cyberstalking and cyberbullying
• Child exploitation and online abuse
• Ransomware and extortion
2.2 Who are Computer Criminals?
Computer criminals come from diverse backgrounds. Understanding them helps in developing
better security and legal strategies:
Script Kiddies: Inexperienced individuals using pre-written tools without understanding them;
motivated by thrill or recognition
Hacktivists: Ideologically motivated attackers (e.g., Anonymous) who target organizations for
political reasons
Insiders: Disgruntled or corrupted employees with authorized access who abuse their privileges
Organized Crime Groups: Professionally run criminal organizations targeting financial gain
Nation-State Actors: Government-sponsored groups conducting espionage or cyber warfare
Cybercriminals for Hire: Professional hackers who offer services on the dark web
2.3 Computer Fraud
Computer fraud involves the use of computer technology to commit fraudulent acts for financial gain
or other personal advantage.
Types of Computer Fraud
• Identity theft: Stealing personal information to impersonate someone
• Credit card fraud: Using stolen card data for unauthorized purchases
• Phishing: Deceiving users into revealing credentials via fake websites/emails
• Advance-fee fraud (419 scams): Promising large rewards for small upfront payments
• Investment fraud: False investment opportunities promoted online
• Auction fraud: Selling goods on auction sites without delivering them
Legal Framework: Computer fraud is covered under laws such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse
Act (CFAA) in the US, and similar legislation in other countries including Pakistan's Prevention of
Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016
2.4 Deep Fake
Deepfakes are synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with
someone else's likeness using artificial intelligence (deep learning techniques).
How Deepfakes Work
• Deep learning models (GANs — Generative Adversarial Networks) generate realistic face
swaps
• The model is trained on thousands of images of the target person
• The Generator creates fake content while the Discriminator tries to detect fakes
• Over time, the output becomes indistinguishable from real footage
Ethical Concerns of Deepfakes
• Non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) — sexual deepfakes of real people
• Political disinformation and propaganda
• Evidence tampering and false accusations
• Fraud, blackmail, and extortion
• Undermining trust in authentic video evidence
Islamic View: Creating deepfakes constitutes deception (Ghish) and slander (Buhtan) — both
strictly forbidden in Islam
2.5 The Dark Web
The Dark Web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines and requires
special software (like Tor) to access. It operates on overlay networks that provide anonymity.
Structure of the Internet
Surface Web: Indexed content accessible via standard browsers (~4% of internet)
Deep Web: Non-indexed content — databases, academic journals, private accounts (~90%)
Dark Web: Encrypted, anonymous networks; requires special access tools (~6%)
Dark Web Activities
• Illegal drug markets
• Sale of stolen data and credentials
• Weapons trafficking
• Hiring hackers for cybercrime services
• Child exploitation material (CSAM)
• Money laundering via cryptocurrency
• Also used legitimately by journalists, whistleblowers, and political dissidents
2.6 Hackers and Hacking
Hacking refers to unauthorized access to computer systems or networks. The term has evolved and
now encompasses both malicious and benign activities.
Types of Hackers (Hat Classifications)
White Hat (Ethical Hackers): Security professionals who hack with permission to find
vulnerabilities
Black Hat: Malicious hackers who break into systems for personal gain or damage
Grey Hat: Hackers who may break laws but without clearly malicious intent
Red Hat: Aggressive hackers who fight back against black hats
Blue Hat: Outsiders who test systems before launch for security flaws
Green Hat: Beginners learning hacking techniques
Common Hacking Techniques
• SQL Injection: Inserting malicious SQL into database queries
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting client-side scripts into web pages
• Man-in-the-Middle (MitM): Intercepting communications between two parties
• Brute Force: Systematically trying all possible passwords
• Social Engineering: Manipulating humans to gain access (most effective method)
• Denial of Service (DoS/DDoS): Overloading systems to make them unavailable
2.7 Cracking
Cracking is the practice of breaking into computer systems or bypassing software security
measures (such as software license protection). Unlike hacking, cracking is almost always illegal
and malicious.
Types of Cracking
• Password cracking: Breaking encryption to recover passwords
• Software cracking: Bypassing copy protection in commercial software
• Network cracking: Breaking Wi-Fi encryption (WEP, WPA)
• Code cracking: Reverse engineering software to extract source code
2.8 Computer Sabotage
Computer sabotage refers to deliberate damage, disruption, or destruction of computer systems,
networks, or data for malicious purposes.
Forms of Computer Sabotage
Viruses: Self-replicating malicious programs that attach to legitimate files
Worms: Self-replicating programs that spread across networks without a host file
Trojans: Malicious programs disguised as legitimate software
Logic Bombs: Dormant code that activates under specific conditions
Ransomware: Encrypts data and demands payment for decryption key
Rootkits: Tools that gain privileged access while hiding their presence
DDoS Attacks: Coordinating massive traffic to overwhelm and crash systems
2.9 Security, Legislation, and Education
Security Measures
• Firewalls: Filter incoming and outgoing network traffic
• Antivirus/Anti-malware software: Detect and remove malicious programs
• Encryption: Protect data in transit and at rest
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add layers of identity verification
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Security awareness training for employees
Key Legislation
CFAA (USA): Computer Fraud and Abuse Act — criminalize unauthorized computer access
GDPR (EU): General Data Protection Regulation — strict data privacy laws
PECA 2016 (Pakistan): Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act — cybercrime law in Pakistan
IT Act 2000 (India): Information Technology Act covering cybercrimes and digital signatures
Role of Education
• Cybersecurity education reduces vulnerability to social engineering
• Ethics courses in computer science programs instill responsible behavior
• Public awareness campaigns reduce victimization
• Training for law enforcement to handle cybercrime investigations
UNIT 3: Plagiarism, Copyright & Intellectual Property
3.1 Plagiarism and Its Types
Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, words, or intellectual output and
presenting it as your own without proper attribution or permission.
Types of Plagiarism
Direct/Complete Plagiarism: Copying someone's work word-for-word without any attribution
Self-Plagiarism: Reusing one's own previously submitted work without disclosure
Mosaic Plagiarism (Patchwriting): Mixing copied phrases with paraphrasing without citations
Accidental Plagiarism: Unintentional failure to cite sources properly
Paraphrasing Plagiarism: Rewriting someone else's ideas in different words without credit
Source-Based Plagiarism: Citing a source that doesn't actually support the claim
Global Plagiarism: Submitting an entire work created by someone else as your own
Consequences of Plagiarism
• Academic: Expulsion, failing grades, degree revocation
• Professional: Career damage, termination, legal action
• Legal: Copyright infringement lawsuits
• Reputational: Permanent damage to credibility
3.2 Copyright
Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of original work exclusive rights to its use and
distribution for a limited time. It protects original works of authorship including software, literature,
music, art, and databases.
Key Copyright Concepts
Automatic Protection: Copyright arises automatically upon creation — no registration needed
Duration: Generally life of author + 70 years (varies by country)
Fair Use/Fair Dealing: Limited use of copyrighted material for education, commentary, criticism
Public Domain: Works whose copyright has expired or been waived
Creative Commons: Flexible licensing allowing creators to permit certain uses
Copyright in Software
• Software source code is protected by copyright
• Copyright covers the expression, not the underlying idea or algorithm
• End User License Agreements (EULAs) govern how software may be used
• Open source licenses (GPL, MIT) are a form of copyright licensing
3.3 Patent
A patent is an exclusive right granted to an inventor for a new, useful, and non-obvious invention. It
gives the inventor a temporary monopoly (typically 20 years) in exchange for public disclosure.
Software Patents
• Controversial — many argue algorithms should not be patentable
• USA allows software patents under certain conditions
• EU restricts purely abstract software patents
• Patents can stifle innovation or protect genuine inventions depending on perspective
3.4 Intellectual Property (IP)
Intellectual Property refers to creations of the mind — inventions, literary/artistic works, symbols,
names, images, and designs — protected by law.
Types of Intellectual Property
Copyright: Protects original creative works (books, music, software, films)
Patent: Protects inventions and innovations for a limited period
Trademark: Protects brand names, logos, and symbols
Trade Secret: Protects confidential business information (e.g., formulas, algorithms)
3.5 The Problem of Information Ownership
Digital technology has created profound questions about who can and should own information:
Core Questions
• Can information itself be owned like physical property?
• Should ideas and knowledge be freely shared for social progress?
• How do we balance creator incentives with public access to information?
• Who owns data collected about individuals?
Arguments FOR Information Ownership (Proprietorship)
• Creators deserve compensation for their intellectual labor
• Financial incentives drive innovation and creative output
• Protects trade secrets critical to competitive markets
• Encourages investment in research and development
• Creates accountability — if you own it, you're responsible for it
Arguments AGAINST Information Ownership
• Information is non-rivalrous — one person using it doesn't deprive others
• Knowledge advances faster when freely shared
• Over-protection stifles innovation through 'patent thickets'
• Creates information inequality between rich and poor nations
• Ideas build on previous ideas — all knowledge is cumulative
3.6 Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are the legal rights that protect the interests of creators and
inventors by giving them exclusive rights over their creations for a defined period.
Protecting Intellectual Property
• Registration with government IP offices (patents, trademarks)
• Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology for digital content
• Watermarking and fingerprinting digital media
• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect trade secrets
• Terms of service and EULAs for software
• International treaties: WIPO, TRIPS Agreement, Berne Convention
3.7 Free Software, Adware & Spyware
Free Software
Free software (as defined by the Free Software Foundation) is software that respects users'
freedom. It must provide four essential freedoms:
• Freedom 0: Run the program for any purpose
• Freedom 1: Study and modify the source code
• Freedom 2: Redistribute copies
• Freedom 3: Distribute modified versions
Note: 'Free' refers to freedom, not price. The GNU GPL is the most common free software license.
Adware
Adware is software that automatically delivers advertisements to the user. While some adware is
legitimate (supporting free software), malicious adware can:
• Track browsing behavior without consent
• Display intrusive pop-up advertisements
• Redirect browser searches and homepage
• Slow down computer performance
Spyware
Spyware is malicious software that secretly monitors user activity and transmits data to third parties
without the user's knowledge or consent.
• Keyloggers: Record every keystroke (capturing passwords)
• Screen scrapers: Capture screenshots of user activity
• Browser hijackers: Redirect web traffic
• System monitors: Track all computer activity
3.8 Software Piracy
Software piracy is the unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of copyrighted software without
proper licensing or payment.
Types of Software Piracy
Softlifting: Buying one license and installing on multiple computers
Internet Piracy: Downloading and distributing software from unauthorized websites
Hard Disk Loading: Dealers pre-installing unlicensed software on hardware they sell
Counterfeiting: Producing and selling fake copies of commercial software
OEM Unbundling: Selling OEM software separately from the hardware it was bundled with
Corporate Piracy: Organizations using more copies than licenses allow
Moral Implications of Software Piracy
• Deprives developers of fair compensation for their labor
• Reduces investment in software development and innovation
• Unfair advantage over businesses that purchase licenses legally
• Exposes users to malware in pirated software packages
• Normalizes theft and dishonest behavior in society
Islamic Perspective on Software Piracy
Islam strongly prohibits software piracy on multiple grounds:
• It constitutes theft (Sariqah) — taking what belongs to another without permission
• Violates the principle of Amanah (trustworthiness and honesty)
• Breaches contractual obligations (Aqd) — the license agreement is a binding contract
• Contradicts the concept of Ihsan (excellence and doing what is right)
• Scholars classify it as Haram (forbidden) as it involves Ghabn (deception/fraud)
3.9 Piracy vs. Plagiarism
While related, piracy and plagiarism are distinct:
Piracy: Unauthorized use or reproduction of copyrighted material — primarily an economic crime
(you use without paying)
Plagiarism: Presenting someone else's work as your own — primarily an ethical crime (you claim
credit you don't deserve)
A person can commit both: downloading pirated software AND claiming they wrote it. Or just one:
using free software but taking credit for its code.
UNIT 4: Privacy and Anonymity
4.1 The Invasion of Privacy
Privacy invasion occurs when personal information about an individual is collected, stored, used, or
disclosed without their knowledge or consent in ways that violate their reasonable expectations of
privacy.
Historical Context
• Pre-digital age: Privacy violated through physical surveillance and paper records
• Digital age: Unprecedented capacity to collect, analyze, and share personal data
• The internet has made privacy violations easier, faster, and more pervasive
4.2 The Right of Privacy
Privacy is recognized as a fundamental human right in numerous international frameworks:
• Article 12, UN Declaration of Human Rights: Protection against arbitrary interference with
privacy
• Article 17, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• GDPR (EU): Comprehensive framework protecting EU citizens' data privacy
• Pakistan's PECA 2016 includes provisions for online privacy
Dimensions of Privacy
Informational Privacy: Control over personal data and information
Physical Privacy: Freedom from surveillance and intrusion in personal spaces
Decisional Privacy: Freedom to make personal decisions without interference
Associational Privacy: Freedom of association without monitoring
4.3 Methods of Privacy Violation
Technical Methods
• Cookie tracking: Websites track browsing behavior across sessions
• Third-party tracking pixels: Hidden images that report viewing activity
• Device fingerprinting: Identifying devices by their unique configuration
• IP address logging: Recording user location and identity from network addresses
• Packet sniffing: Intercepting network traffic to read communications
• Malware and spyware: Software that covertly collects personal data
Social/Organizational Methods
• Data brokers: Companies that collect and sell personal data profiles
• Social media data mining: Analyzing user posts and interactions
• Workplace monitoring: Tracking employee communications and activity
• Phishing: Tricking users into revealing personal information
• Physical surveillance cameras in public and private spaces
4.4 Surveillance Technologies
Types of Surveillance Technology
CCTV and Video Surveillance: Ubiquitous cameras in public/private spaces recording movement
Facial Recognition: AI systems that identify individuals from camera footage
GPS Tracking: Location monitoring via satellites and mobile devices
IMSI Catchers (Stingrays): Devices that mimic cell towers to intercept mobile communications
Email and Communication Monitoring: Government and employer interception of digital
communications
Drone Surveillance: Unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras and sensors
Social Media Monitoring: Automated scanning of public posts for keywords or faces
4.5 Neighborhood Surveillance
Technology has enabled neighborhood surveillance at unprecedented scale:
• Smart doorbells (Ring, Nest): Record and store video of public areas
• Community surveillance networks: Shared camera footage among neighbors
• Smart city infrastructure: City-wide sensor networks collecting movement data
• License plate readers: Automated recording of vehicle movements
These technologies raise tensions between community safety and civil liberties.
4.6 Protecting Privacy
Technical Protections
• Use strong, unique passwords and a password manager
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts
• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt internet traffic
• Use encrypted messaging apps (Signal, WhatsApp end-to-end encryption)
• Regularly update software to patch security vulnerabilities
• Use privacy-focused browsers (Firefox, Brave) and search engines (DuckDuckGo)
• Limit permissions granted to apps (location, camera, microphone)
Legal Protections
• GDPR (EU): Right to access, rectify, erase, and port personal data
• Right to be forgotten: Request removal of personal information
• Data protection laws require organizations to secure personal data
• Opt-out mechanisms for data collection and marketing
UNIT 5: Computer Reliability
5.1 Can We Trust Computers?
The question of computer reliability is critical as our dependence on computing systems increases
across healthcare, finance, transportation, and infrastructure. Failures can have catastrophic
consequences.
Notable Computer Failures
• Therac-25 (1985-1987): Software bugs in radiation therapy machines caused patient deaths
• Ariane 5 Rocket (1996): Integer overflow bug caused $500M rocket to self-destruct on
launch
• Y2K Bug (1999): Two-digit year storage caused global concern about infrastructure failure
• Boeing 737 MAX (2018-2019): Software errors in MCAS system contributed to two fatal
crashes
• Knight Capital (2012): Trading software bug lost $440M in 45 minutes
5.2 What is Computer Reliability?
Computer reliability is the probability that a computer system will perform its intended function
without failure for a specified period under stated conditions.
Key Reliability Concepts
Availability: Percentage of time a system is operational and accessible
Fault Tolerance: Ability to continue operating despite component failures
Redundancy: Duplicate components to prevent single points of failure
Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): Average time a system operates before failing
Mean Time To Recovery (MTTR): Average time to restore a system after failure
Factors Affecting Reliability
• Software bugs and coding errors
• Hardware defects and wear
• Human error in design, development, or operation
• Inadequate testing and quality assurance
• Unanticipated edge cases and input conditions
• Malicious attacks (hacking, malware)
• Environmental factors (power outages, physical damage)
5.3 Professional Responsibility
Computing professionals have a responsibility to produce reliable, safe, and ethical systems. This is
especially critical in life-critical applications (medical devices, aircraft, nuclear plants).
Dimensions of Professional Responsibility
• Technical: Writing correct, tested, and maintainable code
• Ethical: Refusing to develop harmful systems
• Legal: Complying with relevant laws and standards
• Social: Considering the broader impact on society
The ACM Code of Ethics and IEEE Code of Ethics both articulate the professional responsibilities of
computing professionals.
5.4 Software Liability
Software liability refers to the legal responsibility of software developers and vendors for harms
caused by defective software.
Key Issues in Software Liability
• EULAs typically disclaim all liability — raising questions of fairness
• Strict liability vs. negligence: Should developers always be liable or only when negligent?
• The software industry is unique — no other engineering discipline has such broad liability
disclaimers
• Consumer protection laws are beginning to hold software vendors more accountable
Solutions to Reliability Problems
• Rigorous software testing (unit, integration, system, acceptance testing)
• Formal verification methods to mathematically prove program correctness
• Adopting software engineering best practices (code reviews, pair programming)
• Building redundant and fault-tolerant systems
• Continuous monitoring and automated alerting for anomalies
• Clear and responsible disclosure of known vulnerabilities
• Professional licensing and certification for software engineers
UNIT 6: ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
6.1 What is ACM?
The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) is the world's largest and most prestigious
professional association for computing professionals, founded in 1947. It publishes the ACM Code
of Ethics and Professional Conduct — the most widely recognized ethical code in computing.
6.2 Overview of the ACM Code (2018 Version)
The current ACM Code of Ethics (revised 2018) is organized into four main sections:
Section 1: General Ethical Principles
These are universal ethical principles that all computing professionals must follow:
• 1.1 Contribute to society and to human well-being, acknowledging that all people are
stakeholders in computing
• 1.2 Avoid harm — intended and unintended negative consequences
• 1.3 Be honest and trustworthy in all professional dealings
• 1.4 Be fair and take action not to discriminate
• 1.5 Respect the work required to produce new ideas, inventions, creative works, and
computing artifacts
• 1.6 Respect privacy of others
• 1.7 Honor confidentiality
Section 2: Professional Responsibilities
These are responsibilities specific to computing professionals in their work:
• 2.1 Strive to achieve high quality in both the processes and products of professional work
• 2.2 Maintain high standards of professional competence, conduct, and ethical practice
• 2.3 Know and respect existing laws pertaining to professional work
• 2.4 Accept and provide appropriate professional review
• 2.5 Give comprehensive and thorough evaluations of computer systems and their impacts,
including analysis of possible risks
• 2.6 Perform work only in areas of competence
• 2.7 Foster public awareness and understanding of computing, related technologies, and
their consequences
• 2.8 Access computing and communication resources only when authorized to do so
• 2.9 Design and implement systems that are robustly and usably secure
Section 3: Professional Leadership Principles
These apply to those in leadership or management roles in computing:
• 3.1 Ensure that the public good is the central concern during all professional computing
work
• 3.2 Articulate, encourage acceptance of, and evaluate fulfillment of social responsibilities
• 3.3 Manage personnel and resources to enhance the quality of working life
• 3.4 Articulate, apply, and support policies and processes that reflect the Code's principles
• 3.5 Create opportunities for members of the organization to grow as professionals
• 3.6 Use care when modifying or retiring systems to ensure the transition causes minimal
harm
• 3.7 Recognize and take special care of systems that become integrated into the
infrastructure
Section 4: Compliance with the Code
• 4.1 Uphold, promote, and respect the principles of the Code
• 4.2 Treat violations of the Code as inconsistent with membership in the ACM
6.3 General Ethical Principles for IT Users
The ACM Code applies not just to professionals, but provides principles for all IT users:
Key Ethical Principles for All IT Users
Respect for Others: Do not use computing to harass, harm, or deceive others
Honesty: Do not misrepresent yourself or your software; disclose conflicts of interest
Privacy: Collect only necessary data; protect personal information of others
Property Rights: Respect copyrights, patents, and trademarks; do not pirate software
Non-Maleficence: Do not create or distribute malware, engage in hacking, or sabotage systems
Competence: Only take on computing tasks for which you are adequately prepared
Accountability: Take responsibility for your actions and their consequences in digital spaces
6.4 Compliance with the Code
Compliance with the ACM Code is expected of all ACM members and is increasingly adopted as a
standard by organizations worldwide.
Mechanisms for Enforcement
• Membership in ACM requires agreement to abide by the Code
• Violations can result in removal from ACM membership
• The Code is used as a benchmark in professional disputes and litigation
• Educational institutions teach the Code as part of computing curricula
Why Compliance Matters
• Computing professionals wield enormous power to affect society
• Code violations can cause widespread harm (e.g., a buggy safety-critical system)
• Professional codes protect both the public and the profession's reputation
• Ethical computing contributes to trust in technology and digital infrastructure
End of Computer Ethics Study Notes