Ethics vs Laws
Ethics are how a person or organisation conducts themselves based on what they feel is right or wrong.
They can be subjective, based on a person's opinion.
Laws are rules in society which are enforced by penalties, such as fines or prison.
Laws are clearly defined and not based on opinion.
Someone may do something which is unethical but legal.
Ethics and Computing
Ethics in computing is concerned with how technology affects individuals, society, and the environment.
In an exam, you may be asked to discuss an ethical topic, giving the pros and cons of the scenario. These are often high-mark questions.
Examples of ethical concerns in computing include:
- Whether AI makes fair and unbiased decisions
- How technological advances affect employment
- The effects of social media on society
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Businesses are increasingly using AI to make important business decisions. Are these decisions more accurate and fairer than a human's judgment?
Should AI be trusted to control autonomous weapons? They can be very accurate, but can also make mistakes.
Whose fault is it if a self-driving car crashes?
Is it fair that an author's work can be mimicked by AI? The author does not receive payment or credit, but the user saves time and money.
Technology's Effects on Employment
For centuries, technological advances have steadily replaced human jobs, such as robots replacing factory workers and self-service tills replacing cashiers.
Whilst this has allowed businesses to be more efficient and make improved products, what happens to those who lose their jobs?
Does remote-working improve an employee's work-life balance, or does it contribute to an increasingly isolated society?
Social Media
Social media has unparalleled reach across cultures, countries, and continents. Billions of users from across the globe can communicate instantly, bringing together communities, groups, and individuals.
But social media can sow division, spread hate, and allow anyone to make malicious "fake news".
And whilst all this is happening, is it right for the social media companies to make billions of dollars of profit?