Computers:Tools for an Information Age

Chapter 9Social and Ethical Issues in Computing:Doing the Right Thing

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Objectives

Identify the social issues and ethics in computingUnderstand the digital divide social issue and its effect in societyList and describe the workplace issuesDescribe the international and national legal issues

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Objectives

List different methods that are already available for protecting children on the InternetExplain the significance of the ethics in computingExplain the significance of intellectual property rights

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The Digital Divide

Separates the computing haves from the have-notsSeveral initiatives exist to narrow the divide

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Workplace Issues

Healthy computingEmployee monitoringEnvironmental concerns

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Healthy Computing

A number of health questions have been raised Harmful emissions from monitor Eyestrain from monitor Back pain from position of chair and

desk Repetitive strain injury

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Ergonomics

Refers to human factors related to the use of computersErgonomic equipmentErgonomic behavior

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Employee Monitoring

Various tools allow an employer to monitor an employee’s performance Keystroke monitors measure keystrokes per

second Other software tools monitor how long an

employee is away from the computer Monitor the files stored on the hard drive Monitor the sites visited on the Internet

Many companies have policies that notify employees about monitoring practices

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Environmental Concerns

Power consumptionComputer suppliesPC disposal

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Jurisdictional IssuesInternational issues Applying national laws to a world-wide medium is

a difficult process It would be impossible to determine if the content of

every Web site was legal according to the laws of every country

Issues exist over which country’s court has jurisdiction

National issues Issues exist over which locality’s court has

jurisdiction Imposition of sales taxes on Internet transactions

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Protecting Children on the Internet

The Internet offers many opportunities for children There are also unsavory elements on

the Internet

Ways to protect children Blocking software Child monitoring Laws to protect children

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Ethics in Computing

Ethics – standards of moral conduct Used to help determine the proper

course of action in difficult situations

Computing Issues Computer ethics Professional ethics Programmer responsibility Ethical use of computers

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Intellectual Property Rights

Refers to results of intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary, or artistic fieldsU.S. Copyright Act provides protection in three areas Copyrights Patents Trademarks