Moral Responsibilities of Computer Professionals

Some ethicists believe that all professionals, regardless of their practice, have speal moral obligations as professionals. For example, Michael Bayles (2003) argues that professionals have a special obligation to
their clients to be worthy of a client’s trust, and this, Bayles further suggests, leads to obligations of honesty, candor, competence, diligence, loyalty and discretion.

Many computer professionals are software engineers or members of software engineering teams. Gotternbarn (2001) believes that because software engineers and their teams are responsible for developing safety-critical systems, they have significant opportunities to:

* Do good or cause harm
* Enable others to do good or cause harm
* Influence others to do good or cause harm

Thus, Gotternbarn suggests that the roles and responsibilities involved in the development of safety-critical systems are differentiating factor.

Kevin Bowyer (2001) points out that the phrase “safe-critical system” is often used to refer to computer systems that can have a “direct life-threatening impact”. Examples of safety-critical software applications typically include:

* Aircraft and air traffic control systems
* Mass transportation systems
* Nuclear systems
* Missile systems
* Medical treatment systems

Three “Levels” of Computer Ethics

Computer ethics questions can be raised and studied at various “levels” and each level is vital to the overall goal of protecting and advancing human values.

1st level of computer ethics - “Pop” computer ethics
-it is simply the exposure to stories and reports found in the popular media regarding the good or bad ramifications of computer technology. The society at large needs to be aware of such things as computer viruses and computer systems designed to aid handicapped persons. The public at large should be sensitized to the fact that computer technology can threaten human values as well as advance them.

2nd level of computer ethics - “Para” computer ethics
-it is someone who takes special interest in computer ethics cases, collects examples, clarifies them, looks for similarities and differences, reads related works, attends relevant events, and so on, is learning ”para” computer ethics.
Example: A para medic, of course, cannot do all that a physician does, but he or she can make preliminary medical assessments, administer first aid and provide rudimentary medical assistance.
Note: a ”para” computer ethicist is not a professional ethicist, but does have some relevant special knowledge.

3rd level of computer ethics – “Theoretical” computer ethics
-it applies scholarly theories to computer ethics cases and concepts. Someone proficient in “theoretical” computer ethics would be able not only to identify, clarify, compare and contrast computer ethics cases; she or he could also apply theories and tools from philosophy, social science or law in order to deepen our understanding of the issues.
Note: “theoretical” computer ethics is normally taught in college-level with titles like “Computer Ethics”, “Computers and Society”, “Computers and the Law.”

Voters and the public at large, for example, should be sensitive to the social and ethical consequences of information technology. Computer professionals and public policy makers should have “para” computer ethics skills and knowledge in order to do their jobs effectively. And scholars must continue to deepen our understanding of the social and ethical impact of computing by engaging in theoretical analysis and research.

PROBLEMS OF COMPUTER ETHICS (CONTINUATION)

MORE PROBLEMS OF COMPUTER ETHICS 

LOGICAL MALLEABILITY
Computers can be shaped and molded to perform any activity that can be characterized in terms of inputs, outputs and connecting logical operations. The logic of computers however can be shaped infinite ways through changes in hardware and software in terms of their usage. It enables computer based technology to exhibit tremendous flexibility.


IMPACT ON SOCIETY :
The impact of computerization on society is clear. Moor wrote in his paper relatively few could foresee the extent of that impact nor did anyone envisage the Internet and the World Wide Web. He also foresee the changing workplace and the nature of work.


INVISIBILITY FACTOR :
An important fact about computers is that most of the time and under most conditions computer operations are invisible. He identified 3 types of invisibility that have significance:

1. Invisible Abuse - it is the intentional use of the invisible operations of a computer to engage in unethical conduct.
2. Invisible Programming Values - are which according to Moor are embedded into a computer program.
3. Invisible Complex Calculation – the argument in this issue is how much we should entrust computer’s invisible calculation.

PROBLEMS OF COMPUTER ETHICS

First off , What is COMPUTER ETHICS ?

* A new branch of ethics that is growing and changing rapidly as computer technology also grows and develops.
* Could be understood as that branch of applied ethics which studies and analyzes such social and ethical impacts of information technology.



Computer Ethics interpretations

* It might be understood very narrowly as the efforts of professional philosophers to apply traditional ethical theories like utilitarianism, Kantianism or other moral theories to issues regarding the use of computer technology.
* It might also be understood in a very broad way to include as well standards of professional practice, codes of conduct, aspects of computer law and etc.

PROBLEMS OF COMPUTER ETHICS :

According to Adam Moor there are many types of problems in computer ethics namely Logical Malleability, Invisibility Factor and Impact on Society. Below are still some factors why Computer Ethics have problems.
* A typical problem of Computer Ethics arises because there is a policy vacuum about how computer technology should be used.

* There is often also a conceptual vacuum.
* Computers are logically malleable.
* Computer Revolution.

The Hacking Community’s Constitution:

1. We believe: That every individual should have the right to be free speech in cyber space.
2. We believe: That every individual should be free of worry when pertaining to oppressive governments that control the cyber space.
3. We believe: That democracy should exist in cyber space to set a clear example as to how a functioning element of society can prosper with equal rights and free speech to all.
4. We believe: That hacking is a tool that should and is used to test the integrity of networks that hold and safe guard out valuable information.
5. We believe: Those sovereign countries in the world community that do not respect resoect democracy should be punished.
6. We believe: That art, music, politics and crucial social elements of all world societies can be achieved on the computer and in cyber space.
7. We believe: That hacking, cracking and phreaking are instruments that can achieve three crucial goals:
a. Direct Democracy in cyber space.
b. The belief that information should be free to all.
c. The idea that one can test and know the dangers and exploits of systems that store the individuals’ information.
8. We believe: That cyber space should be a governing body in the world community, where people of all nations and cultures can express their ideas and beliefs has to how our world politics should be played.
9. We believe: That there should be no governing social or political class or party in cyber space.
10. We believe: That the current status of the internet is as clear example as to how many races, cultures, and people can communicate freely and without friction or conflicts.
11. We believe: In free enterprise and friction free capitalism.
12. We believe: In the open source movement fully, as no government should adopt commercial or priced software for it shows that a government may be biased to something that does not prompt the general welfare of the technology market and slows or stops the innovation of other smaller company’s products.
13. We believe: That technology can be wielded for the better placement of mankind and the environment we live in.
14. We believe: That all sovereign countries in the world community should respect these principles and ideas released in this constitution.
The above declared constitution is like a bill of rights which should be read in relation to the ten commandments.

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments of computer ethics have been defined by the Computer Ethics Institute. Here is or interpretation of them:
1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. Thou shalt not use or copy software for which you have not paid.
7. Thou shalt not use other people’s computer for resources without authorization.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt not think about the social consequences of the program you write.

10. Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect.

Principles(Continues)

Principle 8: Self

Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession. In, particular, software engineers shall continually endeavor to:
8.01 Further their knowledge of developments in the analysis, specification, design, development, maintenance and testing of software and related documents, together with the management of the development process.
8.02 Improve their ability to create safe, reliable and useful quality software at reasonable cost and within a reasonable time.
8.03 Improve their ability to produce accurate, informative, and well-written documentation.
8.04 Improve their understanding of the software and related documents on which they work and of the environment in which they will be used.
8.05 Improve their knowledge of relevant standards and the law governing the software and related documents on which they work.
8.06 Improve their knowledge of this Code, its interpretation and its application to their work.
8.07 Not give unfair treatment to anyone because of any irrelevant prejudices.
8.08 Not influence others to undertake any actions that involve a breach of this Code.
8.09 Recognize that personal violations of this Code are inconsistent with being a professional software engineer.

Principles(Continues)

Principle 7: Colleagues

Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues. In particular software engineers shall, as appropriate:
7.01 Encourages colleagues to adhere to this Code.
7.02 Assist colleagues in professional development.
7.03 Credit fully the work of others and refrain from taking undue credit.
7.04 Review the work of others in an objective, candid and properly documented way.
7.05 Give a fair hearing to the opinions, concerns or complaints of a colleague.
7.06 Assist colleagues in being fully aware of current standard work practices.
7.07 Not unfairly intervene in the career of any colleague; however, concerns of the employer the client or public interest may compel software engineers in good faith to question the competence of a colleague.
7.08 In situations outside of their own areas of competence call upon the opinions of other professionals who have competence on that area.

Principles(Continues)

Principle 6: Profession

Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest. In particular, software engineers shall, as appropriate.

6.01 Help develop an organizational environment favorable to acting ethically.
6.02 Promote public knowledge of software engineering.
6.03 Extend software engineering knowledge by appropriate participation in professional organizations, meetings, and publications.
6.04 Support, as members if a profession, other software engineers striving to follow this Code.
6.05 Not promote their own interest at the expense of the profession, client or employer.
6.06 Obey all laws governing their work, unless in exceptional circumstances, such compliance is inconsistent with the public interest.
6.07 Be accurate in stating the characteristics of software on which they work, avoiding not only false claims but also claims that might reasonably be supposed to be speculative, vacuous, deceptive, misleading, or doubtful.
6.08 Take responsibility for detecting, correcting and reporting errors in software and associated documents on which they work.
6.09 Ensure that clients, employers and supervisors know of the software engineer’s commitment to this Code of ethics and the subsequent ramification of such commitment.
6.10 Avoid associations with businesses and organizations which are in conflict with this code.
6.11 Recognize that violations of this Code are inconsistent with being professional software engineer.
6.12 Express concerns to the people involved when significant violations of the Code are detected unless this is impossible, counter-productive, or dangerous.
6.13 Report significant violations of this Code to appropriate authorities. It is clear that consultation with people involved in these significant violations is impossible counter-productive or dangerous.

Principles(Continues)

Principle 5: Management

Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical to the management of software development and maintenance. In particular, those managing or leading software engineers shall, as appropriate:
5.01 Ensure good management for any project on which they work, including effective procedures for promotion of quality and reduction risk.
5.02 Ensure that the software engineers are informed of standards before being held to them.
5.03 Ensure that software engineers know the employer’s policies and procedures for protecting passwords, files and information that is confidential to the employer or confidential to others.
5.04 Assign work only after taking into account appropriate contributions of education and experience tempered with a desire to further that education and experience.
5.05 Ensure realistic quantitative estimates of cost, scheduling, personnel, quality and outcomes on any project.
5.06 Attract potential software engineers only by a full and accurate description of the conditions of employment.
5.07 Offer fair and fair remuneration.
5.08 Not unjustly prevent someone from taking a position for which that person is suitably qualified.
5.09 Ensure that there is a fair agreement concerning ownership of any software, processes, research, writing or other intellectual property to which software engineers has contributed.
5.10 Provide for due process in hearing charges of violation of an employer’s policy or of this Code.
5.11 Not ask a software engineer to do anything inconsistent with this Code.
5.12 Not punish anyone for expressing ethical concerns about a project.

Principles(Continues)

Principle 4: Judgment

Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment. In particular, software engineers shall, ass appropriate:
4.01 Temper all technical judgments by the need to support and maintain human values.
4.02 Only endorse documents either prepared under their supervision or within their areas of competence and with which they are in agreement.
4.03 Maintain professional objectivity with respect to any software or related documents they are asked to evaluate.
4.04 Not engage in deceptive financial practices such as bribery, double billing, or other improper financial practices.
4.05 Disclose to all concerned parties those conflicts of interest that cannot reasonably be avoided or escaped.
4.06 Refuse to participate, as members or advisors in a private governmental or professional or professional body concerned with software related issues, in which they, their employers or their clients have undisclosed potential conflicts of interest.

Principles(Continues)

Principle 3: Product

Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible. In particular software engineers shall, as appropriate:
3.01 Strive for high quality, acceptable cost and reasonable schedule, ensuring significant tradeoffs are clear to and accepted by the employer and the client, and are available for consideration by the user and the public.
3.02 Ensure proper and achievable goals and objectives for any project on which they work or purpose.
3.03 Identify, define and address ethical, economic, cultural legal and environmental issues related to work projects.
3.04 Ensure that they are qualified for any project on which they work or propose to work by an appropriate combination of education and training, and experience.
3.05 Ensure an appropriate method is used for any project on which they work or propose to work.
3.06 Work to follow professional standards, when available, that are most appropriate for the task at hand, departing from these only when ethically or technically justified.
3.07 Strive to fully understand the specifications for software on which they work.
3.08 Ensure that specifications for software on which they work have been well documented, satisfy the user’s requirements and have the appropriate approvals.
3.09 Ensure realistic quantitative estimates of cost, scheduling, personnel, quality and outcomes on any project on which they work or propose to work and provide an uncertainty assessment of these estimates.
3.10 Ensure adequate testing, debugging, and review of software and related documents on which they work.

3.11 Ensure adequate documentation, including significant problems discovered and solutions adopted, for any project on which they work.
3.12 Work to develop software and related documents that respect the privacy of those who will be affected by that software.
3.13 Be careful to use only accurate date derived by ethical and lawful means and use it only in ways properly authorized.
3.14 Maintain the integrity of data being sensitive to outdated or flawed occurences.
3.15 Treat all forms of software maintenance with the same professionalism as new development.

Principles(Continues)

Principle 2: Client and employer

Software engineers shall act in manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer, consistent with the public interest. In particular software engineers shall, as appropriate:
2.01 Provide service in their areas of competence, being honest.
2.02 Not knowingly use software that is obtained or retained either illegally or unethically.
2.03 Use the property of the client or employer only in ways properly authorized and with the clients or employer’s knowledge and consent.
2.04 Ensure that any document upon which they rely has been approved, when required, by someone authorized to approve it.
2.05 keep private any confidential information gained in their professional wok; where such that confidentiality is consistent with the public interest and consistent with the law.

2.06 Identify, document, collect evidence and report to the client or the employer promptly if, in their opinion, a projects is likely to fail, to prove too expensive, to violate intellectual property law or otherwise to be problematic.
2.07 Identify, document and report significant issues of social concern, of which they are aware, in software or related documents, to the employer or the client.
2.08 Accept no outside work detrimental to the work they perform for their primary employer.
2.09 Promote no interest adverse to the employer, unless higher ethical concern being compromised; in that case, inform the employer or another appropriate authority of the ethical concern.

Principles

Principle 1: Public

Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest. In particular software engineers shall, as appropriate:
1.01 Accept full responsibility for their own work.
1.02 Moderate the interests of the software engineer, the employer, the client and the users with the public good.
1.03 Approve only if they have well-founded belief that is safe, meets specifications passes appropriate tests. The ultimate effect of be worked should be for the public good.
1.04 Disclose to appropriate persons or authorities any actual or potential danger to the user, the public or environment, that they reasonably believe to be associated with software or related documents.
1.05 Cooperate in efforts to address matters of grave public concern close caused by software, its installation, maintenance, support or documentation.
1.06 Be fair and avoid deception in all statements, particularly, public ones, concerning software or related documents, methods and tolls.
1.07 Consider issues of physical disabilities, allocation of resources, economic, disadvantage.
1.08 Be encouraged to volunteer professional skills to good cause.

Code of Ethics of Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP)

I acknowledge:
* That I have an obligation to management
* That I have an obligation to my fellow members
* That I have an obligation to society
* That I have an obligation to my College or University
* That I have an obligation to my employer whose trust I hold
* That I have an obligation to my country
* I accept these obligations as a personal responsibility and as a member of this Association

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Code of Ethics of the Filipino IT Professional

1. I will promote public knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Information Technology
2. I will consider the general welfare and public welfare and public good in the performance of my work.
3. I will advertise goods or professional services in a clear and truthful manner.
4. I will comply and strictly abide by the intellectual property laws, patent laws, and other related laws in respect of Information Technology.
5. I will accept the full in responsibility for the work undertaken and utilize my skills with competence and professionalism.
6. I will make truthful statements on my areas of competence as well as the capabilities and qualities of my product and services.
7. I will not disclose or use any confidential information obtain in course of professional duties without the consent of the parties concerned except when required by the laws.
8. I will strive to attain the highest quality in both the products and services that offer.
9. I will knowingly participate in the development of the Information Technology.
10. I will uphold and improve the IT professional’s standard through continuing profession in order to enhance the IT profession.

Professional Code of Ethics

A professional code of ethics states the principles and core values that are essential to the work of a particular occupational group. Practitioners in many professions subscribe to a code of ethics that behavior. Most codes of ethics created by professional organizations have two main parts: (a) outlines what the organizations aspires to become, and (b) typically lists rules and principles.
The following are the professional code of ethics can produce many benefits for the individual, the profession and society as a whole.
1. Ethical Decision Making
2. High Standards of Practice and Ethical Behavior
3. Trust and Respect from the General Public
4. Evaluation Benchmark