What are the ten commandments of computer ethics?

By Fay Capstick

We don’t think about it much, but our use of computers requires us to make daily and repeated decisions about how we engage with them and what we do. This week we will be thinking about this theme and looking at the often ignored area of computer ethics.

What are computer ethics?

Computer ethics first came to attention in 1985 when the Computer Ethics Institute was created by, among others, The Brookings Institute, IBM and the Washington Theological Consortium. It was originally called the Coalition for Computer Ethics.

Who decided this?

The idea was originally put forward in a paper called ‘In Pursuit for a Ten Commandments for Computer Ethics’ by Ramon C. Barquin. It was designed to be a guide and standard to follow in how to use computers ethically. They follow the biblical style of the Ten Commandments of behaviour.

How is this relevant to me?

Because you are a user of computers and the internet. It is becoming more relevant every year as the Internet of Things expands.

So what are these ten commandments?

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 access 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 (without permission)
7. Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorisation or proper compensation
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the programme you are writing or the system you are designing
10. Thou shalt always use computers in ways that ensure consideration and respect for other humans

What do they mean in practice?

In practice what it is really saying is to think about what you are doing with computers, and to think about the impact your actions could have on others.

This can include not interfering with the work others are doing, so no viruses or malicious software. Doing nothing that could impact peoples work or data files, or prevent their access to them. No hacking or spamming or causing distress in any way through your actions. Never try to gain access to a system that you are not authorised to access and respecting the intellectual property of others.

Commandment 5, not contributing to the spread of misinformation using computers is extremely relevant in the era of social media.

Everyone would do well to follow commandment 10. It is important to show the same respect for others feelings and property that we would show in the real world. An interaction occurring online makes it no less real in its consequences.

Conclusion

Computer ethics is becoming increasingly relevant due to the number of interactions that now take place using computers. We have seen the good and the bad that computers and the internet can have on society. Computer ethics is now taught as part of the GCSE in computer science syllabus, which is a positive step.

Final thoughts

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