GEC 0113 Ethics in IT Practices

1. GEC 0113Ethics in IT Practices Kam-Fai Wong Dept of SEEM, CUHK kfwong@se.cuhk.edu.hk

2. Ethics • “analysis of decisions and actions with respect to their appropriateness in a given social context” • Dilemmas: impair or enhance the well-being of individuals or groups • Ethical / legal

3. Ethical Dilemmas in IT For software, is it acceptable to: • buy once, install twice? • you install and use by others? • make copies then distribute or even sell? • make available on-line for download? • trading on the Web?

4. Ethical Dilemmas • Employers read staff’s email • Employers monitor websites visited by staff • Company resources are only for co. purpose • Staff report misuse of co. resources • Disclaimer right to eliminate responsibility • Respect IP, e.g. modifying/copying code • Privacy of data

5. IT Ethical Issues • Code of Ethics: rules for expected actions • Intellectual Information Rights protect intangible properties in IT • Accountability responsibility of (non-)actions • Data/info Privacy right to be left alone

6. HK Data Privacy Principles • Purpose and manner of collection • Accuracy and duration of retention • Use • Security • Information availability • Access (see Privacy Commissioner’s Office, HKSAR, http://www.pco.org.hk)

7. Code of Ethics • Don’t use a compute to harm other people. • Don’t interfere others’ computer work. • Don’t look at others’ computer files. • Don’t not use a computer to steal.

8. Code of Ethics (Cont.) • Don’t use a computer to lie. • Don’t copy or use software without paying for it. • Don’t use others’computer resources without permission. • Don’t use others’ work.

9. Code of Ethics (Cont.) • Think about the social impact of the program you creates. • Always use a computer in a way that shows respect and consideration for other people.

10. Thank You! URL: http://www.se.cuhk.edu.hk Download – IS Lab. – GEC0113.ppt