The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

The following are the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics as adapted from the Computer Ethics Institute.

Commandment:  an instruction; a requirement
Ethics:  a code of conduct; how a person should live.

1.) You shall not use a computer to harm other people.
Invading the privacy of individuals

2.) You shall not interfere with other people’s computer work.
Degrading or disrupting equipment, software, or system performance.
Using resources to interfere with the proper operation of any computer, or destroy data.

3.) You shall not snoop around in other people’s computer files.
Using an account owned by another user, or allowing another user to access your account.  (Any problems which arise from the misuse of a user’s password will be that user’s responsibility.)
Invading the privacy of individuals

4.) You shall not use a computer to steal.
Using resources in any manner that violates Board policy, federal, state, or local law including unauthorized copying or transmission of software.

5.) You  shall not use a computer to bear false witness.
Initiating or forwarding “chain” letters.
Downloading, storing printing, or distributing files or messages that are profane, obscene, threatening, or that use language that offends or tends to degrade others.
Unproven rumors (e.g. free coca cola)

6.) You shall not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
Using resources in any manner that violates the law including unauthorized copying or transmission of software.

7.) You shall not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
Using information obtained through network and computer resources without giving proper credit to the source (plagiarism).

8.) You shall not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.
Posting personal communication without the original author’s consent.
Using information obtained through network and computer resources without giving proper credit to the source (plagiarism).

9.) You shall think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
Downloading, storing, printing, or distributing files or messages that are profane, obscene, threatening, or that use language that offends or tends to degrade others.

10.) You shall always use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect for your fellow humans.
Downloading, storing, printing, or distributing files or messages that contain information considered dangerous to the public at large.