Ethics is a set of moral principles that govern the behavior of a group or individual. Therefore, computer ethics is set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers. Some common issues of computer ethics include intellectual property rights (such as copyrighted electronic content), privacy concerns, and how computers affect society.
For example, while it is easy to duplicate copyrighted electronic (or digital) content, computer ethics would suggest that it is wrong to do so without the author's approval. And while it may be possible to access someone's personal information on a computer system, computer ethics would advise that such an action is unethical.
As technology advances, computers continue to have a greater impact on society. Therefore, computer ethics promotes the discussion of how much influence computers should have in areas such as artificial intelligence and human communication. As the world of computers evolves, computer ethics continues to create ethical standards that address new issues raised by new technologies.
There is 5 areas of computer ethics that we need to know which is information accuracy, green computing, codes of conduct, intellectual property and information privacy. for the information accuracy, do not assume all the information on the Web is correct. Users should evaluate the value of a web page before relying on its content. Be ware that the organization providing access to the information may not be the creator of the information.
Green computing is the environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of computers and their resources. In broader terms, it is also defined as the study of designing, manufacturing or engineering, using and diposing of computing devices in a way that reduces their environmental impact. Its involve reducing the electricity and environmental waste while using a computer. Society has become aware of this waste and its taking measures to combat it.
Some of the actions that has been taken:
- Using energy- efficient devices that require little power when they are not in use.
- Buy computers with low power consumption processors and power supplies.
- When possible, use outside air to cool the data center
Average computer users can employ the following general tactics to make their computing usage more green:
- Use the hibernate or sleep mode when away from a computer for extended periods.
- Use flat-screen or LCD monitors, instead of conventional cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors.
- Buy energy efficient notebook computers, instead of desktop computers.
- Activate the power management features for controlling energy consumption.
- Turn off computers at the end of each day.
- Refill printer cartridges, rather than buying new ones.
Information privacy is the right of individuals and companies to deny or restrict the collection, use, and dissemination of information about them.The privacy of personal information and usually relates to personal data stored on computer systems.The need to maintain information privacy is applicable to collected personal information such as medical records, financial data, criminal records, political records, business related information or website data.Information privacy is also known as data privacy.Today, huge databases store their data online.Much of the data is personal and confidential and should be accessible only to authorize users. Many individuals and organizations, however, question whether this data really is private. That is, some companies and individuals collect and use this information without your authorization. Web sites often collect data about you, so that they can customize advertisements and send you personalized e-mail messages.Some employers monitor your computer usage and e-mail messages
Intellectual property is unique and original works such as ideas, inventions, literary and artistic works, processes, names and logos.Or, refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.Intellectual property rights are the rights to which creators are entitled for their work.The intellectual property is divided by three which is patent, trademark, and copyright.
A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted by a government to an inventor or applicant for a limited amount of time (normally 20 years from the filing date). It is a legal document defining ownership of a particular area of new technology.Invention - a product or a process that provides a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. The right granted by a patent excludes all others from making, using, or selling an invention or products made by an invented process.
Trademark is a word, phrase, symbol, design, combination of letters or numbers, or other device that identifies and distinguishes products and services in the marketplace.Or a distinctive sign which identifies certain goods or services.Or can be any distinctive name or logo.
Examples of well-known Trademarks are:
- Coca-Cola
- Samsung
- The Apple logo
- The Nike “swoosh”.
Trademark law protects the owner, from competitors stealing your identity or using a name or symbol so similar that it could cause confusion for your clients or customers.By identifying a product or service’s source, a trademark or service mark also serves to protect consumers from deception.For example, the trademark "Nike," along with the Nike "swoosh," identify the shoes made by Nike and distinguish them from shoes made by other companies (e.g. Reebok or Adidas).For example, if a consumer tries a can of Coca-Cola and finds the quality lacking, it will be easy for the consumer to avoid Coca-Cola in the future and instead buy another brand. Trademark law furthers these goals by regulating the proper use of trademarks.
Copyright is a protection provided to the authors of “original works” and includes such things as literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual creations, both published and unpublished.
Copyright is an exclusive right and gives its creator, or owner :
- To reproduce the copyrighted work
- To prepare derivative works
- To distribute and sell any copies of the copyrighted work
- To perform or display the copyrighted work publicly
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