Computing Ethics

Zainab Arshad
Professional practices

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 Introduction to Computing Ethics

 What is Computing Ethics?

Ethics refers to the moral principles that govern the behavior of individuals or
organizations.
 In computing, ethics addresses issues related to privacy, security, intellectual property,
and professional responsibility.
 Importance: Ethical issues in computing impact individuals, organizations, and society. The
rapid pace of technological development makes ethical decision-making critical.
 Why is it Important?

 Computing professionals shape the digital landscape, making ethical decisions that affect
millions globally.

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 Ethical Dilemmas in Computing

 Common Ethical Dilemmas:

 • Privacy (e.g., unauthorized data sharing, surveillance)

 • Security (e.g., hacking, security breaches)

 • Intellectual Property (e.g., software piracy, copyright infringement)

 • Accessibility and fairness (e.g., bias in algorithms, discrimination in

technology use)
 How Ethics Arises: These dilemmas occur when the interests of individuals,
organizations, or society conflict with the available technology or its
application.
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 The Role of a Computing Professional

 Responsibilities:

 • Designing, developing, and implementing technology responsibly.

 • Protecting the privacy and security of users.

 • Being transparent, honest, and accountable in decision-making.

 Professionalism:

 • Maintaining professional conduct in all areas, such as software development,

research, and the use of technology.
 • Compliance with established standards and ethical guidelines in the computing
field.
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 Ethical Theories Applied to Computing

 • Utilitarianism: Decisions should maximize overall happiness and minimize harm.

 Example: Balancing benefits of a new technology with potential risks (e.g., AI

surveillance vs. public safety).
 • Deontology: Ethical decisions should be made based on rules and duties,
regardless of the outcome.
 Example: Protecting user data even if it could hinder business goals.
 • Virtue Ethics: Emphasis on the moral character of individuals making decisions.

 Example: Encouraging professionals to act with honesty, fairness, and

responsibility in their work.

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 Privacy and Data Protection

 • Privacy Concerns:

 - The gathering and sharing of personal data by organizations, often without

user consent.
 - Issues like data breaches, surveillance, and misuse of personal information.
 • Laws & Regulations:

 - GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), CCPA (California Consumer

Privacy Act), and other data protection laws ensure companies respect user
privacy.

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 Security Ethics

 • Ethical Responsibilities of IT Professionals:

 - Ensuring systems are secure from unauthorized access or

cyberattacks.
 - Balancing security needs with user rights to privacy.
 • Ethical Hacking:

 - White-hat hacking to identify vulnerabilities versus malicious

hacking (black-hat hacking).
 - The fine line between ethical and unethical hacking practices.
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 Intellectual Property in Computing

 • Intellectual Property (IP):

 - Protecting the creations of individuals or companies, such as software,

designs, and algorithms.
 - Ethical concerns: Copyright infringement, software piracy, and the
unauthorized use of proprietary code.
 • Open Source vs. Proprietary Software:

 - Open-source software encourages free use, modification, and distribution,

but may raise concerns about misuse.
 - Proprietary software is protected by IP laws but may limit user freedoms.
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 Access and Digital Divide

 • What is the Digital Divide?

 - The gap between individuals who have access to technology and those who
do not, due to factors like socio-economic status or geography.
 • Ethical Concerns:

 - How unequal access to technology can lead to disparities in education,

employment, and opportunity.
 • Bridging the Gap:

 - Initiatives like affordable internet, public access computers, and low-cost

devices can help reduce the digital divide.
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 Artificial Intelligence and Ethics

 • Ethical Issues in AI:

 - Bias: AI systems can inherit biases from their developers or the data they are trained
on, leading to unfair outcomes.
 - Accountability: When AI makes decisions, it can be difficult to hold anyone
accountable for the consequences.
 - Autonomy and Control: As AI systems become more autonomous, questions about
control and oversight become critical.
 • Ethical AI:

 - Ensuring AI technologies are transparent, explainable, and designed to prevent

harm.
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 Ethical Challenges in Software Development

 • Impact of Bugs and Vulnerabilities:

 - A poorly designed software system can lead to harm, such as
financial losses, privacy violations, or even physical harm.
 • Example: The Boeing 737 Max crashes, which were partly due to
software issues, highlight the ethical responsibility of developers in
ensuring safety.

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 Algorithmic Bias

 • What is Algorithmic Bias?

 - When algorithms produce discriminatory or unfair results due to biased

data or flawed design.
 • Examples:

 - Criminal justice algorithms that disproportionately target minorities.

 - AI hiring tools that favor certain demographics over others.
 • Mitigating Bias:

 - Regular audits, diverse data, and transparency in AI systems.

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 Responsibility for Harmful Technologies

 • Ethical Considerations:
 - Developers and organizations must consider the potential for
misuse of the technologies they create (e.g., facial recognition,
surveillance systems).
 • Accountability:
 - Who should be held responsible when a harmful technology is
used for unethical purposes?

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 Professional Codes of Ethics

 • Overview:

 - Various organizations, such as the ACM (Association for Computing

Machinery) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers),
provide professional codes of ethics.
 • Key Principles:

 - Contribute to society and human well-being

 - Avoid harm to others
 - Ensure fairness and transparency in professional practices.
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 Ethics in Software Licensing

 • Open Source vs. Proprietary Software Licensing:

 - The ethical implications of licensing software for free versus paid
licenses.
 • Free Software Movement:
 - Advocates for the free distribution and modification of software,
promoting ethical use and development of technology.

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 Ethical Decision-Making Models

 • Utilitarianism: Maximizing benefits for the greatest number of

people.
 • Deontology: Following established rules and duties.
 • Virtue Ethics: Making decisions based on moral character.

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 Teaching Ethics in Computer Science

 • Why Teach Ethics?

 - It’s essential for future professionals to understand and apply
ethical principles in their work.
 • Methods:
 - Using case studies, discussions, and real-world scenarios helps
teach ethics effectively.

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 Ethics in Research and Development

 • Ethical Considerations in Research:

 - Researchers must ensure their work does not harm individuals
or society (e.g., ethical approval, informed consent).
 • Examples of Ethical Breaches:
 - Misuse of research data or unethical experimentation.

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 Ethics in AI Development

 • Ethical AI Design:
 - Creating AI systems that respect privacy, fairness, and
accountability.
 • Managing Risks:
 - Identifying and mitigating risks in AI deployment, such as
discrimination or misuse.

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 Ethical Issues in Cloud Computing

 • Data Privacy and Security:

 - Ethical considerations related to storing sensitive data on
remote servers.
 • Service-Level Agreements (SLAs):
 - Ensuring fairness and transparency in cloud service contracts.

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 Ethical Implications of Big Data

 • Data Collection:
 - The ethical concerns about gathering, storing, and using vast
amounts of personal data.
 • Consent and Transparency:
 - Ensuring individuals understand and consent to how their data
is being used.

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 Ethics of Social Media Platforms

 • Privacy vs. Profit:

 - Social media platforms often prioritize user data collection for
profit, raising ethical concerns.
 • Content Moderation:
 - Balancing freedom of speech with the need to prevent harmful
content (e.g., hate speech, misinformation).

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 Ethical Challenges in Blockchain Technology

 • Anonymity vs. Accountability:

 - Blockchain's anonymity feature creates both opportunities and
ethical dilemmas, especially in financial transactions.
 • Environmental Impact:
 - The energy consumption of blockchain mining and its
environmental impact.

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 Ethics in Game Development

 • Addiction and Mental Health:

 - Concerns over game design practices that may encourage
addiction or exploitation.
 • In-Game Purchases and Exploitation:
 - Ethical issues around monetizing in-game purchases, especially
for children.

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 Conclusion and Reflection

 • Summary:
 - Ethics in computing is essential to ensure the responsible
development and use of technology.
 • Final Thought:
 - Computer professionals must be aware of their ethical
responsibilities and continuously evaluate the impacts of their
work.

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 Discussion Questions

 • How can computing professionals address privacy concerns in the

digital age?
 • What responsibilities do tech companies have in preventing
algorithmic bias?

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 Thank You:)

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