COMPUTER ETHICS ANS LEGAL ISSUES : DEFINITION

ETHICS IN GENERAL

A guideline is needed to stop the current technology products from being exploited for example replicating original CDs and selling them as pirated software, this unethical behaviour can be controlled by the code of conducts.

Unethical refers to any code of conducts that are not conforming to approved standards of social or professional behaviour.

Computer ethics is a system of moral standards or values used as a guideline for computer users.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF COMPUTER ETHICS

The United States Institute of Computer Ethics has come out with the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics. These principles consider the effective code of conducts for the proper use of information technology. The Ten commandments of computer ethics are :

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

GUIDELINES ON THE E-MAIL AND INTERNET USAGE

Some guidelines from the Department of Public Services of Malaysia:

•  use only individual e-mail address to forward individual opinion
• keep the identity name and password a secret to avoid the misuse of your  e-mail without your knowledge
• e-mail must be active to promptly reply the necessary actions needed for any matters
• ensure the total mail kept in the box is within the computer storage capacity
• scan files regularly to avoid the transmission of virus from one computer to   another
• do not send e-mails that contain classified information which can be used to   tarnish other people or country
• choose a suitable time to search the Internet to save access time and cost
• beware of prohibited sites which could affect one's moral, organisation or nation
• print only relevant documents that you think can be used in future to save cost

UNETHICAL COMPUTER CODE OF CONDUCTS

With the advancement of ICT, it is easy for anyone to retrieve your information from the Internet. You may not realise that when you fill a form on the Internet, your information may be exposed and stolen.

Examples of unethical computer code of conducts include:

• modifying certain information on the Internet, affecting the accuracy  of the information
• selling information to other parties without the owner’s permission  
• using information without authorization
• involvement in stealing software
• invasion of privacy

Intellectual property refers to any product of human intellect that is unique and has value in the market place. This covers ideas, inventions, unique name, computer program codes and many more.

ETHICAL COMPUTER CODE OF CONDUCTS

Examples of ethical computer code of conducts include:

• sending warning about viruses to other computer users
• asking permission before sending any business advertisements to others
• using information with authorization