Computer Ethics

1
Computer Ethics

• Privacy
• Does my use of the technology violate the privacy
  of others or am I giving information to others
  that I should not?

2
Scenario 1

• John fills out a survey form on a computer game
  web page. In the following weeks, he receives
  several advertisements in the mail as well as
  dozens of email messages about new computer
  games.
• Whose privacy is at risk?
• What danger or discomfort might the unethical or
  unwise action cause?
• Is there a parallel in the physical world to this
  scenario?
• Can you think of other incidents that would fall
  into this category?

3
Scenario 2

• Adele "meets" Frank, who shares her interest in
  figure skating, in an Internet chat room. After
  several conversations in the following weeks,
  Frank asks Adele for her home telephone number
  and address.
• Whose privacy is at risk?
• What danger or discomfort might the unethical or
  unwise action cause?
• Is there a parallel in the physical world to this
  scenario?
• Can you think of other incidents that would fall
  into this category?

4
Scenario 3

• The principal suspects Paul of using his school
  email account to send offensive messages to other
  students. He asks the school's network manager to
  give him copies of Paul's email.
• Whose privacy is at risk?
• What danger or discomfort might the unethical or
  unwise action cause?
• Is there a parallel in the physical world to this
  scenario?
• Can you think of other incidents that would fall
  into this category?

5
Scenario 4

• Terry's sister needs to leave the computer to
  take laundry from the dryer. While she is gone,
  Terry finds she has been working on an email to
  her best friend and that her email program is
  still open. He checks to see what sis has to say.
  
• Whose privacy is at risk?
• What danger or discomfort might the unethical or
  unwise action cause?
• Is there a parallel in the physical world to this
  scenario?
• Can you think of other incidents that would fall
  into this category?

6
Discussion

• When is shared data harmful? When is it helpful?
  Can some kinds of shared data be helpful to
  society, but harmful to an individual?
• What steps can individuals, adult and child, take
  to protect their privacy?
• How available should this information about you
  be to others?
• Your school records
• The last three books you read or last three
  computer programs you purchased
• The sites you visit on the World Wide Web
• Your favorite foods and fashions