Code of Ethics
IT workers have many different relationships, including those with employers, clients, suppliers, other professionals, IT users, and the society at large, and that in each relationship, an ethical IT worker acts honestly and appropriately. IT workers must set an example and enforce policies regarding the ethical use of IT. IT workers are in a unique position because they have the skills and knowledge to abuse systems and data or to allow others to do so.
Discuss an ethical issue IT organizations face today. Have you been personally affected by an IT ethical issue? Provide examples
Resources
IT Ethics
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The simplest definition of ethics within the world of information technology is the ethical issues that come out of the usage and development of electronic technologies. IT Ethics have a goal and that goal is to find moral solutions to the various problems that arise from online activity. The 10 Commandments of Internet Ethics
All jokes aside, this list of rules makes sense and somewhat works as a guideline for ethical internet use:
The Internet must not be used to harm others.
The interference of other Internet user’s work is prohibited.
Poking around in the personal files of another Internet user is bad.
The use of the Internet for stealing is not allowed.
The internet should not be used for deception or trickery.
The copying or pirating of unpaid software is illegal.
The use of other Internet sources without permission or compensation is wrong.
Do not take credit for other’s intellectual property.
Understand the social consequences that can occur when coding or designing.
Always use the Internet in considerate ways and show respect to your fellow human.
Computer Ethics
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Ethical problems in IT existed long before mankind learned how to conduct machine learning and build neural networks. Asimov also deduced three laws of robotics in his works, but the modern idea of interaction with AI remains approximately at the same level.
For those who suddenly do not remember Asimov’s postulates, I quote them separately:
A robot cannot harm a person or by its inaction allow a person to be harmed.
A robot must obey all orders given by a human, unless those orders are contrary to the first law.
The robot must take care of its safety to the extent that this does not contradict the first or second law.
Many AI developers consider them to be the ideal principles by which robots should operate. Their main advantage is simplicity. After all, the more complex the algorithms of actions, the easier it is to break them.
Using these postulates as an example, one can try to uncover the complexities of ethics in robotics, thereby characterizing ethics in IT.
When creating true AI, there will be another problem that is paradoxically stupid today, but quite possible in the future. After all, if a robot thinks like a person, then there will definitely be a movement for the rights of robots.
Moreover, there are already precedents. In 2017, the sensational robot Sophia received honorary citizenship of Saudi Arabia. And, although it is very far from true AI, there is a legislative precedent, and it is quite possible to use it to give other androids rights comparable to human ones.
The more specialists work on robotics, the more questions arise. And they don’t have a solution. For example:
There are several companies in Japan and the US that create sex robots. And if AI robots get rights, can a robot refuse to have sex with a human? And will it be considered rape if you do not pay attention to the refusal?
How will the creation and operation of autonomous military robots be regulated? And what danger will be borne by the changed laws of robotics, which in principle allow violence against humans?
How will the buying and selling of self-aware robots be regulated? There are many opinions here that this can turn into a new wave of slavery and the liberation movement.
Now legislators consider the legal field of robots approximately similar to the legal field of animals. But even here, there has not yet been a consensus on who will be responsible if the robot harms other people: the owner or the manufacturer.
The point is that the topic of ethics in IT is very broad and requires deep study.
Cyberethics
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Cybertechnology refers to any computing or communication technologies. This is arguably a more accurate term than computer ethics because it encompasses all technologies rather than just computers. There is a debate on whether or not cybertechnology brings in new or unique ethical issues, which would call for a new perspective or special consideration. There are two main views on this issue: traditionalist and uniqueness proponent. Traditionalists argue that nothing in this field is new in the sense that crime is still considered crime and fraud is still considered fraud, even in the cyber realm. The uniqueness proponents argue that there are new unique ethical issues that did not exist before cybertechnology. A common confusion in this thought is mixing up unique features of cybertechnology with unique ethical issues. The term unique, per Merriam-Webster, is defined as the only one or being without a like or equal [4]. The issues surrounding cybertechnology, such as privacy, property, and others are not new concerns. However, cybertechnology does have unique features that muddle the solutions for these types of issues.
Ethics for IT Professionals
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Like any other profession, there are standards of ethical guidance used to help people when facing uncertain circumstances. It’s important for individuals to understand that what is legal may not always be ethical. Not behaving in an ethical manner can disturb the trust between employees, clients, staff, and the general public.
Ethical Code
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Ethical code consists of principals and behavioral expectations established by organizations for their employees and third parties. The core values of a company are also implemented
The code of ethics also outlines core company values that workers are expected to uphold during business operations. Code of ethics is actually very similar to code of conduct. However, code of ethics focuses more on a company’s morals and values at a high-level while code of conduct focuses more on specific situations. Having an ethical code is important as it serves as a permanent reminder of the principals every employee is expected to uphold everyday.
IT Code of Ethics
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There are many resources for IT professionals to refer to when searching for ethical guidance. A few examples of these resources include:
“The Code of Ethics” in section seven of IEEE.
“The Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct” from the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)
“IT Code of Ethics” from SAN
One of the main sections that are highlighted in the code of ethics are the ethical behaviors that are expected of each individual. Employees are often expected to uphold integrity, responsibility, and professionalism during work. This includes properly handling confidential information, maintaining a safe working environment, and avoiding unlawful conduct such as accepting brides. Code of ethics also highlights ethical behaviors towards others. Workers are often expected to treat others fairly without engaging in discriminatory and harmful behavior.