Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics - Essay Example

The “Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics” were put forward by the Computer Ethics institute in 1992 and act as a starting point in specifying the general principles one must follow when one uses computers. These ‘Commandments’ are very wide and layout absolute directions without specifying exceptional circumstances when it is permissible not to follow them. In relation to some of these ‘Commandments’, it is understandable that the rule set out is absolute. However, in relation to others, it is not practical and perhaps in some cases not even ethical, to follow such ‘Commandment’ absolutely and to the letter in all circumstances.

In my view, the 1st Commandment which says that “Thou shalt not use a computer to harm people” is a reasonable one. Harming someone is generally disallowed either morally or legally, whether one uses a computer to do it or not. Harming someone is wrong under almost all ethical frameworks in almost all situations. Possible exceptions would be in the case of self-defense. However, unlike in the real world, the gravity of the consequences in the context of the use of computers is unlikely to be as dire. As such, the exceptions provided in, say, the Penal laws of the various States which specify the criminal liability of a person would not apply in the same way in the context of the computer. Given the above, I agree with this 1st Commandment.

I equally agree with the 4th Commandment which says “Thou shalt not use the computer to steal”. The rationale behind my support of this Commandment is largely the same as that set out above in relation to the 1st Commandment. Stealing, like harming, is already something prohibited both legally and morally. This Commandment as such merely reinforces the code of general ethics and the law already prevailing in relation to this same area. Stealing, just like harming, is wrong no matter how one does it or what one uses to do it. Stealing cannot and should not be less wrong just because it is done through a computer. Just as the various record companies in their advertisements against privacy emphasize, we would not steal a video from the video store…we shouldn’t steal the contents of that same video by illegally downloading it. The difference is that it feels less wrong because of the way it is done – usually at your own private place, using your own computer, and no one seems to get hurt. But the result is the same…it is stealing. I am in agreement with this 4th Commandment as it goes to emphasize this point…stealing through the use of computers is equally wrong as stealing using your hands.

The 9th Commandment is another one that I agree with. Thinking about the consequences of your actions is something that one must always do. The problem in the context of writing computer programs is that one gets absorbed into the codes and numbers and specifics without thinking about the real-life impact of those codes and numbers. The fact that this Commandment serves to remind programmers that what they are doing has a real impact on real people, although it seems far removed at the time the programmer is writing the code, is important.

I have agreed with the aforesaid Commandments because they merely reflect ethical principles already prevailing. However, some of the other Commandments, while doing the same, fail to recognize that in the context of computers and the internet, they cannot hold absolute.

For example, the 2nd and 3rd Commandments provide that one should not interfere with other peoples’ work or snoop in their files. In the context of computers and especially the internet, sometimes the whole purpose is to snoop and interfere. The various social networks, blogs, forums, etc. are all based on people getting into each other’s business. The whole concept is based on snooping so to speak. In addition, in the context of the enforcement of the rest of the Commandments, just like the use of police powers in the real world to uphold the laws of a State, authorities must snoop and interfere in order to ensure that the people are complying with the law. However, just like real law, I do agree that the principle behind the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution which offers protection from unreasonable search and seizure should be adhered to by the authorities, even though the said Amendment seems to apply only to the real property rather than virtual musings and metaphysical property.

I also disagree with the 5th Commandment. It may seem that bearing false witness is something that is frowned on generally and this should equally apply in the context of computers and the internet. The difference however is that the virtual world is different. People use the internet under guises, pseudonyms, avatars. They manifest themselves as someone else virtually and this is not entirely wrong. For one thing, it can be a security issue. It may not be safe to reveal real-life identities because the internet is full of unknown and shady characters who could end up being stalkers or worse.  Read More