June 2010 Edition
Computer Science Department, University of Cape Town
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In addition to the normative principles given above, an individual can make a rational appeal to The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics has advocated by Arlene Rinaldi's Netiquette Webpage:
Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people
Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work
Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files
Thou shalt not use a computer to steal
Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness
Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid for
Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorisation or proper compensation
Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output
Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing
Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow human being
To be ethical, an action should elicit a positive response to all applicable primary questions and a negative response to each clarification:
Is it honourable? Is there anyone from whom you would like to hide the action?
Is it honest? Does it violate any agreement, actual or implied, or otherwise betray a trust?
Does it avoid the possibility of a conflict of interest? Are there other considerations that might bias your judgement?
Is it within your area of competence? Is it possible that your best effort will not be adequate?
Is it fair? Is it detrimental to the legitimate interests of others?
Is it considerate? Will it violate confidentiality or privacy, or otherwise harm anyone or anything?
Is it conservative? Does it unnecessarily squander time or other valuable resources?