Definition of Computer Ethics

What is Ethics?

This is a set of moral beliefs, principles and rules that govern the behaviour of a group or individual. Ethics is the field of study that is concerned with questions of value i.e. judgement about what human behaviour is good or bad.

What is Computer Ethics?

This is a set of moral principles that regulate the use of computers.

Some common issues of computer ethics include intellectual property rights such as copyrighted electronic content, privacy concerns, and how computers affect societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More.

For example, while it is easy to duplicate copyrighted electronic or digital content, computer ethics would suggest that it is wrong to do so without the author’s approval.

While it may be possible to access someone’s personal information on a computer system, computer ethics would advise that such an action is unethical.