Module 1 : Structure of Computing Profession & Professional Ethics

Two-Tier Structure of Computing Profession

The computing profession is organized into two levels: institutions, which are professional bodies for specific computing disciplines, and computing councils, which oversee and recognize these institutions.

First Level - Institutions

Chartered professional bodies that cover single or multiple computing disciplines, ensuring professional standards in their fields.

Second Level - Computing Council

A chartered body that recognizes institutions for maintaining standards in education and acts as an umbrella organization for the computing profession.

Importance of Industry Affiliations

• Align with industry quality standards

• Bring insights on new IT trends

• Ensure continuous professional development

Building Networks in Professional Associations

• Choose the right association

• Be an active participant

• Connect with other members

• Volunteer for leadership roles

• Keep in touch and follow up

• Genuine interaction

Identifying Professional Associations

• Know your purpose

• Do your research

• Evaluate the benefits

• Try it out

• Join and engage

Ethics

It is the study of right and wrong in relation

to human actions

Meta-ethics

Study of general principles from which ethical systems can be built.

Moral theory

Ethical systems, consisting of the criteria to decide whether individual actions are right and wrong.

Practical ethics

Application of ethical systems to the analysis of particular situations.

Professional Ethics

One's conduct of behavior and practice when carrying out professional work, e.g., consulting, researching, teaching. The principles and standards that guide members of a particular profession in their interactions with internal & external stakeholders.

Considerations of Professional Ethics

Relations between professionals and clients

◦ Relation between profession and society

◦ Relations among professionals

◦ Relations between employee and employer

Guidance

framework for professionals to navigate ethical dilemmas and make decisions that align with the values of the profession

Trust

by adhering to ethical standards, professionals help build trust with clients, colleagues, and the public, enhancing the reputation of the profession

Disciplinary measures

Violations of professional ethics can lead to disciplinary actions, which may include penalties or loss of licenses, thereby maintaining the integrity of the profession

Honesty

being truthful and transparent in all professional interactions

Accountability

Taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions

Confidentiality

Respecting the privacy of clients and sensitive information

Objectivity

Making decisions based on impartial criteria rather than personal biases

Decision making

Process in the work place is a complex phenomena.

Ethics

Is a branch of philosophy that deals with questions of morality, exploring what is right and wrong, good and bad, just and unjust. It involves the systematic study of principles and values that guide human behavior and decision-making.

Data Collection

The collection, storage, and processing of personal data by companies and applications raise ethical questions about consent, transparency, and the extent of data collection. (see Cambridge Analytica Case)

Surveillance

Technologies that enable surveillance, both by governments and corporations, pose ethical dilemmas regarding individual privacy rights versus security needs. (Movie: Snowden)

Copyright and Piracy

Issues around intellectual property rights in software, including _____ and _____, highlight the balance between protecting creators’ rights and fostering innovation.

Open Source vs. Proprietary Software

These can lead to debates about accessibility, fairness, and profit-sharing.

Disclosure of Vulnerabilities

Researchers must balance the need to inform the public and vendors against the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.

Malicious Use of Technology

The creation of software that could be used for ______ purposes, such as malware or hacking tools, raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of developers.

Bias and Discrimination

AI algorithms can perpetuate or exacerbate ___ present in training data, leading to ___ practices in areas like hiring, lending, and law enforcement.

Autonomy and Decision-Making

Ethical concerns arise about the _________ capabilities of AI systems, particularly in high-stakes situations (e.g.,autonomous vehicles, healthcare) where human lives may be affected.

Automation

The rise of _____ and AI technologies can lead to job displacement, raising ethical questions about responsibility for retraining workers and the broader economic impact on communities.

Digital Divide

The unequal access to technology and digital resources raises ethical issues about equity and inclusion, especially for marginalized groups.

Ethical Hacking

The practice of ______, where professionals test systems for vulnerabilities, raises questions about consent, legality, and the ethical implications of finding and reporting security flaws.

Cyber Warfare

The development and use of cyber weapons in state-sponsored attacks present ethical dilemmas regarding the rules of engagement and the impact on civilian populations. (see discussion on Stuxnet Worm)

Corporate Responsibility

Tech companies face ethical challenges regarding their social responsibilities, including how their products and services impact society, the environment, and human rights.

Misinformation and Content Moderation

The role of technology companies in moderating content and addressing misinformation raises ethical questions about censorship, freedom of speech, and accountability.

Inclusive Design

The need to create software and systems that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, raises ethical concerns about who benefits from technology and who is left behind.

Usability vs. Security

Striking a balance between creating secure systems and ensuring that they are user- friendly presents ethical challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Sustainability

The environmental impact of technology, including e-waste and energy consumption, raises ethical questions about sustainability and corporate responsibility in minimizing harm to the planet.

Human Subjects

Ethical concerns in research involving ______, such as experiments on data collection and algorithmic decision-making, require adherence to ethical guidelines to protect participants' rights.

Dual-Use Technology

Technologies developed for beneficial purposes can also be repurposed for harmful uses, raising ethical dilemmas about responsible research and development.

Role of Computing Councils

Computing councils represent the collective interests of the computing profession, ensuring industry standards, such as PCS, PELS, and other bodies.

Importance of Industry Affiliations

Aligning with industry standards ensures continuous professional development and insights into new IT trends.

Building Networks in Professional Associations

To build ____, professionals should join relevant associations, actively participate, connect with members, and volunteer for leadership roles.

Purpose of Professional Ethics

Provides guidance for ethical decision-making, builds trust, and includes disciplinary measures for violations to uphold the profession’s integrity.

Common Components of Professional Ethics

This emphasizes honesty, accountability, confidentiality, and objectivity in all professional interactions.

Professional Ethics in Higher Education

Ensures fair treatment, respect, and competence in teaching, preparing students for job responsibilities, and helping individuals build moral judgment.

Ethical Professional

An ____ acknowledges mistakes, respects clients, upholds the profession's reputation, and continues to improve their skills.

Ethical Issues in Computer Science

Concerns arise from technology use, including privacy, data protection, intellectual property, security vulnerabilities, AI, and job displacement.

Privacy and Data Protection

Issues regarding data collection, transparency, and consent, including concerns over surveillance technologies that affect individual privacy.

Intellectual Property in Computer Science

Includes issues like software piracy, copyright infringement, and the debate between open-source vs proprietary software.

Security Vulnerabilities

The ethical question of how to disclose software vulnerabilities, balancing public safety with the risk of malicious exploitation.

AI and Machine Learning Ethics

Concerns about bias and discrimination in AI, as well as the ethical implications of autonomous decision-making in high-stakes situations.

Job Displacement and Automation

The rise of AI and _____ can lead to _____ , raising questions about worker retraining and economic impact.

Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking

_______ involves testing systems for vulnerabilities, posing questions about legality, consent, and responsible disclosure.