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A) Computer and information ethics
B) Internet ethics
A) Computer Ethics
The name “computer ethics” was not commonly used until the mid-1970s when Walter Maner began to use it. He defined this field of study as one that examines “ethical problems aggravated, transformed or created by computer technology.” Some old ethical problems, he said, were made worse by computers, while others came into existence because of computer technology.
However, Deborah Johnson (1985) come out with anoter definition. Johnson said that computer ethics studies the way in which computers “pose new versions of standard moral problems and moral dilemmas, exacerbating the old problems, and forcing us to apply ordinary moral norms in uncharted realms.”
James Moor provided a definition of computer ethics that is much broader and more wide-ranging than those of Maner or Johnson. Since 1985, Moor’s definition has been the most influential one. He defined computer ethics as a field concerned with “policy vacuums” and “conceptual muddles” regarding the social and ethical use of information technology.
No matter which re-definition of computer ethics one chooses, the best way to understand the nature of the field is through some representative examples of the issues and problems that have attracted research and scholarship. Consider, for example, the following topics:
• Computers in the Workplace
• Computer Crime
• Privacy and Anonymity
• Intellectual Property
• Professional Responsibility
• Globalization
• The Metaethics of Computer Ethics
As an educators, there are eight 'must not' and two 'must' computer ethics that we need to follow which shown as below (lecture note):
- Must not use a computer to harm other people.
- Must not intefere with others' computer work.
- Must not look at others' computer files.
- Must not use a computer to steal.
- Must not use a computer to lie.
- Must not copy or usee software without paying for it.
- Must not use others' computer resources without permission.
- Must not use others' work.
- Must think about the social impact of the programs he or she creates.
- Must always use a computer in a way that shows respect and consideration for other people.
Internet ethics generally focus on the appropriate use of online resources. A broad overview of Internet ethics was addressed by the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) in 1989, using recommendations from the Division Advisory Panel of the National Science Foundation Division of Network, Communications Research, and Infrastructure. The aim of the resulting document was to give general guidelines of web ethics instead of providing hard-and-fast rules about online usage and to keep the Internet as a way to promote the exchange of information without compromising the integrity of the medium or the privacy of its users.
Some examples of unethical and criminal behavior:
- Stealing copyright and credit for intellectual property.
- Intercepting private e-mail.
- Display of pornographical material.
- Deliberate public misinformation.
- Misuse of research material.
- Improper commercial/personal use of network.
- Stealing credit information
1) Acceptable Use Policies (AUP)
- use of networks is a privilege, not a right
- behave as if you are a guest on the Internet
- rules concerning objectionable sites
- rules concerning copyright issues
- outline proper use of equipment
- online safety and personal information
- consequences of violating rules
- acts as guides for students
- sites are pre-evaluated by teachers
- eliminates typing mistakes when typing URLs
- final measure to prevent student from accessing objectionable and inappropriate materials
- instruct students on use of Back button on the browser
- understanding of ethical concepts
