The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics A summary by Sean Martinson of A project by the Brookings Institution.

The 10 Commandments The Brookings Institution and the Computer Ethics Institute have compiled a list of 10 “Commandments” in regards to the ethical uses of technology. What follows is an examination of each commandment.

The Brookings Institution and the Computer Ethics Institute have compiled a list of 10 “Commandments” in regards to the ethical uses of technology. What follows is an examination of each commandment.

The 1 st Commandment Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people. In the age of information and/or the digital age, more and more personal information is available online. From financial to personal, information online is the property of the individual and entities that they share it with and no others.

Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

In the age of information and/or the digital age, more and more personal information is available online. From financial to personal, information online is the property of the individual and entities that they share it with and no others.

The 2 nd Commandment Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work. With greater and higher speed access the user is to benefit and incorporate these advances in technology for the betterment of their work and for the collaboration with others.

Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.

With greater and higher speed access the user is to benefit and incorporate these advances in technology for the betterment of their work and for the collaboration with others.

The 3 rd Commandment Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files. Again with the increase in speed and access it is left to the user to continue their use in an ethical manner.

Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.

Again with the increase in speed and access it is left to the user to continue their use in an ethical manner.

The 4 th Commandment Thou shalt not use a computer to steal. With other commandments and with the advancement of technologies it is to the user to utilize equipment in a manner in which benefits the Web 2.0 community.

Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

With other commandments and with the advancement of technologies it is to the user to utilize equipment in a manner in which benefits the Web 2.0 community.

The 5 th Commandment Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness. Computers, cell phones, chat rooms, instant messenging, blogs, wikis…. Daily there are multiple means and options to post information for the global community to see. It is the responsibility of the user to utilize these powerful tools to benefit this global community.

Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

Computers, cell phones, chat rooms, instant messenging, blogs, wikis…. Daily there are multiple means and options to post information for the global community to see. It is the responsibility of the user to utilize these powerful tools to benefit this global community.

The 6 th Commandment Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid. For those looking for “free” software and applications, Web 2.0 applications provide users with “free” and “open” applications which users can utilize in an ethical manner and at no cost.

Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.

For those looking for “free” software and applications, Web 2.0 applications provide users with “free” and “open” applications which users can utilize in an ethical manner and at no cost.

The 7 th Commandment Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation. With the drop of costs and the increase in capabilities computer access in more common than ever. Even with an atmosphere of openness users must remember to simply ask permission when using equipment.

Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

With the drop of costs and the increase in capabilities computer access in more common than ever. Even with an atmosphere of openness users must remember to simply ask permission when using equipment.

The 8 th Commandment Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output. The Creative Commons community allows users and creators of information quick and easy use in identifying the usability of their work. www.creativecommons.org

Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.

The Creative Commons community allows users and creators of information quick and easy use in identifying the usability of their work.

www.creativecommons.org

The 9 th Commandment Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing. As users and programmers collaborate from around the world it is with the intentions of betterment of the world that they continue their work. www.opensource.org

Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

As users and programmers collaborate from around the world it is with the intentions of betterment of the world that they continue their work.

www.opensource.org

The 10 th Commandment Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans. Computers are powerful tools that can and will be used to share knowledge with the global community. It is left to the user to consider their purpose.

Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Computers are powerful tools that can and will be used to share knowledge with the global community. It is left to the user to consider their purpose.

The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics Written by the Computer Ethics Institute 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. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization 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 ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Written by the Computer Ethics Institute

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.

Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization 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 ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.