Computer Ethics – The Ten Commandments

Ten Commandmentsof Computer Ethics

Commandment: an instruction; a requirement

•Ethics: a code of conduct; how a person should live.

1. You shall not use a computer to harm other people.

Intentionally interfering with other people’s work

Invading the privacy of individuals

2. You shall not interfere with other people's computer work.

Degrading or disrupting equipment, software, or system performance.

Using resources to interfere with the proper operation of any computer, or destroy data.

Intentionally interfering with other people’s work

Invading the privacy of individuals

3. You shall not snoop around in other people's computer files.

Using an account owned by another user, or allowing another user to access your account.

Invading the privacy of individuals

4. You shall not use a computer to steal.

Using resources in any manner that breaks the law or violates company policy. This can include the unauthorised copying or transmission of software.

5. You shall not use a computer to bear false witness.

You should not be responsible for creating or forwarding “chain” letters.

You should not download, store, print, or distributing files or messages that are profane, obscene, threatening, or that use language that offends or is aimed at degrading others.

6. You shall not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.

You should not use resources in any manner that violates company policy or breaks the law, including the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act. This means that you should not be copying or transmitting software for which you do not have a licence

7. You shall not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

You should not try to pass off information obtained via the Internet or as part of your working life as your own. You should always give proper credit to the source.

You should not post personal communication without the original author’s consent.

8. You shall not appropriate other people's intellectual output.

Posting personal communication without the original author’s consent.

Using information obtained through network and computer resources without giving proper credit to the source (plagiarism).

9. You shall think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

Downloading, storing, printing, or distributing files or messages that are profane, obscene, threatening, or that use language that offends or tends to degrade others.

 10. You shall always use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Downloading, storing, printing, or distributing files or messages that contain information considered dangerous to the public at large.

References“Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics”. (http://courses.cs.vt.edu/~cs3604/lib/WorldCodes/10.Commandments.html) Computer Ethics Institute, Washington DC. (7 July 2003).

Port Byron Central School District Technology Code of Conduct for Students. (Adopted July 2000.)