Ethical Issues in the Development of Computer Systems: An Overview

This essay delves into the critical ethical considerations inherent in the development of computer systems. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to ethical guidelines and regulations, particularly those established by organizations like IEEE-CS and ACM, to mitigate potential harm. The essay highlights key ethical principles, such as respecting user privacy, avoiding unauthorized resource use, and considering the social consequences of technological advancements. It also underscores the necessity of ethical software engineering practices, including adherence to principles of public interest, clear client-employer relationships, product integrity, sound judgment, responsible management, professional conduct, supportive colleague relationships, and self-improvement in ethical approaches. The document offers a comprehensive overview of the ethical landscape in computer system development and the importance of integrating ethical considerations throughout the development lifecycle. The essay concludes by emphasizing the need for sustainable and beneficial systems that prioritize human well-being.

THE
AGE
OF
IT
Ethical issues in
development of Computer
SystemEthical issues should be considered at the time of development of computer system, as it can be
harmful for someone, which can be attached with that system as well. There are many advantage
of ethics and moral in the system, which are good for an organization. Most of the software
industries have followed all the regulations of international organizations, such as ACM, IEEE-
CS, and many more. It is necessary to develop computer systems under regulations.
Organization for managing ethical issues:
IEEE-CS (Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers - Computer Society,
ACM (Association for Computing Machinery),
IFIP (International Federal for Information Processing)
BCS (British Computer Society) and
Ethics for development of Computer systems:
• Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without
authorization.
• Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
• Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program
you write.
• Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and
respect.
• 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 files.
• Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
• Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
• Thou shalt not use or copy software for which you have not paid.
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Ethical issues: Ethical consideration is necessary to avoid all the bad
impacts of technologies. Most of the development companies working under
the rules and regulations in the various industries, which are software
development, machine designing, bio-medical companies, and more. It is
necessary to develop a better system for managing various things, such as
computer systems, robots, AI-enabled systems, and more. However, it can be
harmful in other ways. Thus, ethical processes must followed in the
development of a new system, which is sustainable and beneficial for human
being.
Software engineers shall adhere to the following Eight Principles:
1.PUBLIC –Software should develop under public interest
2.CLIENT AND EMPLOYER – it is necessary to clear vision between client
and employer.
3.PRODUCT – it is necessary to ensure about the product, which is according
to regulations.
4.JUDGMENT – products should follow integrity of public judgement.
5.MANAGEMENT – product development should be based on ethical
approach.
6.PROFESSION – products should follow professional code of conducts
7.COLLEAGUES – it shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.
8.SELF – an software engineer must promote ethical approaches in the
industry.