Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics
The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics were created in 1992 by the Washington, D.C.–based Computer Ethics Institute.[1] The commandments were introduced in the paper "In Pursuit of a 'Ten Commandments' for Computer Ethics" by Ramon C. Barquin as a means to create "a set of standards to guide and instruct people in the ethical use of computers."[2] They follow the Internet Advisory Board's memo on ethics from 1987.[3] The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics copies the archaic style of the Ten Commandments from the King James Bible.
The commandments have been widely quoted in computer ethics literature[4] but also have been criticized by both the hacker community[5] and some in academia. For instance, Dr. Ben Fairweather of the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility has described them as "simplistic" and overly restrictive.[6]
ISC2, one of the thought leaders in the information security industry, has referred to the commandments in developing its own ethics rules.[7]
The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics
- Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
- Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
- Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
- Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
- Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
- Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid (without permission).
- Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
- Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
- Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
- Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for other humans.[8]
References
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- ^ CCSR:Commentary on the 'Ten Commandments for Computer Ethics'; Archived 2012-07-22 at archive.today
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External links
- The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics listed at Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
- Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility