The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics were created in 1992 by the Computer Ethics Institute. The Commandments were in the book named "In Pursuit of Ten commandments for Computer Ethics" by Ramon C. Barquin as a means to create a set of standard to guide and instruct people in the ethical use of computers. They are:
- Do not use a computer in ways that may harm other people: In this commandment, it is said that to use the computer in such way that causes harm others people is quite unethical. It does not mean only the physical harm of other people also means harm and damage of others file or data. It is a crime if anybody steals the file or makes changes the file of other people as started in this commandment. Stealing others information's and files and programming other is the crime. In the same way, hacking, keeping, spamming is also computing crime.
- Do not use computer technology to cause interference in other users work: Computer software is to be used in such a way so that it may not harm other user and disturb him. A virus is a harmful program in normal programming. Malicious software disturbs in many ways in computer works. It can slow the complete memory using resources of the computer or can make slow the speed of works. As a result, the computer may show a wrong reading. It is unethical to harm computers work by malicious software.
- Do not spy on another person's computer data: Way to read others e-mail is a crime. In the same way to download other person's data without his permission is also a crime.
- Do not use computer technology to steal information: It is a serious crime to steal sensitive information or to disclose the security of other. It is also unethical to collect the reports of patients from the hospital or information of any client from the bank.It is also a cheat to do money laundering.
- Do not contribute to the spread of misinformation using computer technology: It is a crime to spread misinformation through email, blog, website or any other means.
- Refrain from copying software or buying pirated copies. Pay for software unless it is free: Like any other artistic or literary work, software is copyrighted. A piece of code is the original work of the individual who created it. It is copyrighted in his name. In the case of a developer writing software for the organization he works for, the organization holds the copyright for it. Obtaining illegal copies of copyright software is unethical.
- Do not use someone else's computer resources unless authorized: Multi-user systems have user specific password, thus intruding his private space in unethical. It is not ethical to hack password for gaining unauthorized access to a password-protected computer system. Accessing data that you are not authorized to access or gaining access to another user's computer without his permission is not ethical.
- It is wrong to claim ownership of a work which is the output of someone else intellect: Program developed by a developer is his/her property. If he is working with an organization, they are the organization's property. Copying them and propagating them is unethical.
- Before developing software, think about the social impact it can have: Looking at the social consequences that a program can have, describes a broader perspective of looking at technology. Computer software on release reaches millions. Software like video games and animations or educational software can have a social impact on their users.
- In using computers for communication, be respectful and courteous with the fellow member: The using computer should follow the existing procedure in case of communication. In internet communication, one should be court-ions and respectful to others.
Hope all will follow the ten commandments of computer ethics and use more of the technologies.