The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics
CISS1020 - Summer 2013
Chapter 1 Ethics Paper
Rachel Ruhl
June 8, 2013
In May 1992, Dr. Ramon C. Barquin introduced a paper, “In Pursuit of a Ten Commandments for Computer Ethics” to set a standard for computer users and professionals. The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics are widely known but have been criticized by both the hacker and academic community.
Out of the Ten Commandments, there are three that I find the most logical and very important in the computer ethic community. The first being the first commandment; “Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.” This commandment makes it very clear that using a computer to harm another person not just physically but by also harming or corrupting other users’ data, files, or anything computer related is morally wrong. Including creating any program intended to harm another in any way is also unethical.
The second is the fourth commandment; “Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.” It also states in the original Ten Commandments; “Thou Shalt Not Steal.” It is wrong to acquire data from an employee database to receive personal information on someone and it should be treated like robbery. It is wrong to steal sensitive information on someone’s computer such as bank account information and personal files. We were taught at a young age that taking anything that simply doesn’t belong to us is wrong.
The third commandment is the tenth commandment; “Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration.” This commandment makes it very clear that being polite and respectful through a computer is the right thing to do. Just because you can’t always see the person you’re communicating with on a computer doesn’t give any right to be rude.
There are also three commandments that I disagree with beginning with the fifth commandment; “Thou shalt not use a computer to false witness.” I believe this commandment is absurd. If you believe everything you see or read on a computer or any
Chapter 1 Ethics Paper
Rachel Ruhl
June 8, 2013
In May 1992, Dr. Ramon C. Barquin introduced a paper, “In Pursuit of a Ten Commandments for Computer Ethics” to set a standard for computer users and professionals. The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics are widely known but have been criticized by both the hacker and academic community.
Out of the Ten Commandments, there are three that I find the most logical and very important in the computer ethic community. The first being the first commandment; “Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.” This commandment makes it very clear that using a computer to harm another person not just physically but by also harming or corrupting other users’ data, files, or anything computer related is morally wrong. Including creating any program intended to harm another in any way is also unethical.
The second is the fourth commandment; “Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.” It also states in the original Ten Commandments; “Thou Shalt Not Steal.” It is wrong to acquire data from an employee database to receive personal information on someone and it should be treated like robbery. It is wrong to steal sensitive information on someone’s computer such as bank account information and personal files. We were taught at a young age that taking anything that simply doesn’t belong to us is wrong.
The third commandment is the tenth commandment; “Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration.” This commandment makes it very clear that being polite and respectful through a computer is the right thing to do. Just because you can’t always see the person you’re communicating with on a computer doesn’t give any right to be rude.
There are also three commandments that I disagree with beginning with the fifth commandment; “Thou shalt not use a computer to false witness.” I believe this commandment is absurd. If you believe everything you see or read on a computer or any