Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s computer files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
7. Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Refer to Computer Ethics Institute


Questions for your Blog Activity

1) Do you agree with all the 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics above?
2) Which do you disagree with (if any)?
3) Do you think they leave anything important out, if so explain what?
4) What is not covered above that should be covered?


In my opinion the ten commandments of computer ethics mentioned are good guides if practiced in the actual day to day work in interacting on the computers. However, as we can see in our everyday lives, there are always people twisting the ethical system of using a computer and misusing them in a number of communications. People are using other individual’s details to steal identity, and more astonishing thing is that using the computer to abuse innocent children in a manner of harming their fellow human race.

In general I agree with the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics mentioned. Nevertheless, as I had been bombarded by spam mails recently I would like to include one or more to it.
1. Thou shalt not misuse other e-mail addresses.
2. Thou shalt not pass e-mail addresses to a third party without getting permission from the individuals.

The things I would suggest to cover on the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics could be, like considering the disable people to access the computers without breaching their human rights or discriminating them. This suggestion is purely due to my past experience that, be it software or hardware which is not designed to be accessible is unethical.


Reference:

Ramon C Barquin. Home Page. Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics. [Online]. Washington D.C., Computer Ethics Institute.
Available from: http://www.computerethicsinstitute.org/
Accessed on: [04 December 2008].