1.6 – Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

What are ethical issues in computing?

Questions about what is morally right or wrong in technology use

Why are ethical issues subjective?

Because opinions differ and there is no single correct answer

What are legal issues in computing?

Issues related to laws governing technology use

Why must computer scientists consider legal issues?

To ensure systems follow the law

What are cultural issues in computing?

Differences in values, beliefs and traditions affecting technology use

Why are cultural issues important?

Technology must be inclusive and appropriate for different societies

What are environmental issues in computing?

The impact of technology on the natural environment

Give examples of environmental issues in computing

Energy use, resource depletion, e-waste

How can technology help the environment?

By reducing paper use through digital communication

What are privacy issues in computing?

Concerns about how personal data is collected and used

Why is privacy important?

People want control over their personal data

Why do governments want access to data?

To prevent crime and ensure security

What is the conflict in privacy issues?

Balance between safety and individual privacy

What are mobile technologies?

Portable devices like smartphones and tablets

What issues do mobile technologies raise?

Data tracking, privacy concerns, excessive screen time

What are wearable technologies?

Devices worn on the body that collect data

Give examples of wearable technologies

Fitness trackers, smart glasses

What issues do wearable technologies raise?

Privacy invasion, misuse of health data

What is cloud storage?

Storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet

Advantages of cloud storage

Access anywhere, easy sharing

Issues with cloud storage

Data ownership, security risks, data breaches

Why is cloud storage risky?

Data may be stored in other countries with different laws

What are autonomous vehicles?

Self-driving cars using sensors and AI

Issues with autonomous vehicles

Responsibility for crashes, hacking risks, moral decisions

What are computer-based implants?

Devices inserted into the body for medical purposes

Examples of computer-based implants

Pacemakers, brain implants

Issues with implants

Malfunctions, hacking, responsibility for harm

What is e-waste?

Discarded electronic devices

Why is e-waste harmful?

Contains toxic materials like lead and mercury

What must developers consider when creating technology?

Ethical, legal, cultural, environmental and privacy issues

What is the Data Protection Act 2018?

A UK law that governs how personal data is used

What is personal data?

Information that can identify an individual

Give examples of personal data

Name, address, date of birth, phone number

How must personal data be stored?

Securely

How must personal data be used?

Fairly, lawfully and transparently

How long should personal data be kept?

No longer than necessary

What must be ensured about personal data accuracy?

It must be kept accurate and up to date

What rights do individuals have over their data?

Right to be informed, access, erase and restrict processing

What is the Computer Misuse Act 1990?

A law preventing unauthorised access to computer systems

What is unauthorised access?

Accessing a system without permission

What is an example of unauthorised access?

Logging into someone else's account without consent

What is unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences?

Accessing a system to carry out crimes like fraud

What is an example of unauthorised access with intent?

Accessing banking details to steal money

What are unauthorised acts to impair a computer?

Actions that damage or disrupt systems

Give an example of impairing a computer

Sending a virus to slow a system

What are unauthorised acts causing serious damage?

Actions that create risk of major harm to systems

What is making or supplying tools for misuse?

Creating or sharing tools for hacking

Give an example of supplying misuse tools

Creating phishing websites to steal data

What is proprietary software?

Software owned by a company requiring a licence

Can proprietary software be modified?

No, not legally

What are advantages of proprietary software

Reliable, supported, well-tested

What are disadvantages of proprietary software

Must be paid for, cannot be modified

What is open source software?

Software that can be freely used, modified and shared

Advantages of open source software

Customisable, free, community support

Disadvantages of open source software

May lack support, requires technical skill

What is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988?

A UK law that protects original work from being copied or used without permission

What types of work does the Copyright Act protect?

Books, music, films, software, images, websites, broadcasts

Who owns copyright of original work?

The creator automatically owns it

What rights does copyright give creators?

Control over copying, sharing, adapting and publishing their work

Is permission needed to use copyrighted work?

Yes, unless allowed by the owner

What is an example of copyright in computing?

A programmer owns the code they create

What happens if you use copyrighted work without permission?

It is illegal