Computer Ethics

 Software systems play an increasingly important role in our lives. The public debate focuses in particular on systems that decide or support decision making on high-stake issues that affect third parties such as probation or creditworthiness (Gogoll, 2021).

(Karoff, 2019)

What is computer ethics?

Computer ethics are a set of moral standards that govern the use of computers.  It is society’s views about the use of computers, both hardware and software.  Privacy concerns, intellectual property rights and effects on society are some of the common issues of computer ethics (Priya, 2022).

Here are five examples of ethical issues and how developers can address them:

Addictive design

Every developer yearns to create applications that people love to use -- that's just good UX design. The problem is that some teams craft apps that people love too much. There is an ethical concern about the role of digital platforms, such as social media.

Questionable personal data ownership

AI-based processing of biometric and other contextual data about customers has increased exponentially with device and software evolution. Software can profile users and predict behaviors at a scary level of detail.

Algorithmic bias

Technology can amplify existing biases. "One of the more pressing ethical issues facing today's developers is bias," said Spencer Lentz, principal, AI and digital process automation, digital customer experience, at consulting firm Capgemini.

Weak security and PII protection

Application security is growing in importance as software plays a larger role in our online and offline environments.Developers often only address security after code release, rather than during development. As a result, the software community lacks secure development standards.

Prioritizing features over impact

At the center of many ethical issues is a decision that capabilities in software releases are more important than the effects they could have. But just because you can doesn't mean you should.

(Lawton, 2020)

The Commandments related to my work are:

2) Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work: Computer viruses are small programs that disrupt other people’s computer work by destroying their files, taking huge amounts of computer time or memory, or by simply displaying annoying messages. Generating and consciously spreading computer viruses is unethical.

4) Thou shalt not use a computer to steal: Using a computer to break into the accounts of a company or a bank and transferring money should be judged the same way as robbery. It is illegal and there are strict laws against it.

References:

Gogoll, J. et al. (2021) Ethics in the Software Development Process: From Codes of Conduct to ethical deliberation - philosophy & technology, SpringerLink. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13347-021-00451-w (Accessed: 03 May 2023).

Karoff, P. (2019) Harvard works to embed ethics in Computer Science Curriculum, Harvard Gazette. Available at: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2019/01/harvard-works-to-embed-ethics-in-computer-science-curriculum/ (Accessed: 03 May 2023).

Priya, M. (2022) Computer ethics: Ethics, laws, definition & privacy, Teach Computer Science. Available at: https://teachcomputerscience.com/computer-ethics/ (Accessed: 03 May 2023).

Lawton, G. (2020) 5 examples of ethical issues in software development: TechTarget, Software Quality. Available at: https://www.techtarget.com/searchsoftwarequality/tip/5-examples-of-ethical-issues-in-software-development (Accessed: 09 May 2023).