Description
The ten commandments of computer ethics
(Computer Ethics Institute, USA)
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 INSURE CONSIDERATION AND
RESPECT FOR YOUR FELLOW HUMANS.
Listed above are the ten commandments of computer ethics as compiled by the Computer Ethics
Institute. For each of these commandments:
1. Give your own interpretation.
2. Examples of each.
3. Possible improvements and/or shortcomings, where applicable.
Each of the discussions of the 10 commandments mentioned above will contribute 5 marks to the
overall mark obtained, which will be out of 50.
Use chapter 11 of Pfleeger as a guide.
As always if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Due date: 1 October 2021.
