LEGAL

GHANA COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (GCTU)
COURSE TITLE

  • CIIS-451: Legal and Ethical Use of Information Technology

BRIEF SYLLABUS
Description

  • This course is designed to equip students with the intellectual tools to make effective, reasoned, and justifiable moral decisions relating to the IT domain.

  • It operates within appropriate legal and social frameworks and necessitates a robust level of reading, research, reflection, and debate.

  • The course is structured around formal discussions and extensively utilizes social technologies for sharing and interaction.

Course Objectives

  1. Explore the nature and principles of ethics, including personal, professional, and corporate ethics, in a computing context.

  2. Analyze the interplay between ethics and law, society, politics, economy, justice, responsibility, and honesty.

  3. Examine specific ethical issues raised by the pervasive presence of computer and information technology in contemporary society.

Topics

  • Module 1: Introduction to Social and Ethical Computing

  • Module 2: Morality and the Law

  • Module 3: Ethics, Technology, and Values

  • Module 4: Ethics and the Professions

  • Module 5: Anonymity, Security, Privacy, and Civil Liberties

  • Module 6: Intellectual Property Rights and Computer Technology

  • Module 7: Social Context of Computing

  • Module 8: Software Issues: Risks and Liabilities

  • Module 9: Computer Crimes

  • Module 10: Ethical, Privacy, and Security Issues in the Online Social Network Ecosystems

Teaching Methodology

  • Engaging in participatory learning methods tailored around the learner's knowledge and experiences in the subject matter.

Key Methods:

  1. Facilitation

  2. Individual and Group Exercises

  3. Presentations

  4. Educational Videos

  5. Brainstorming

Assessment

  • A composite grade of at least D (40%) is required to pass CIIS-451.

  • Specific Grade Minimums:

    • Mid-Semester Exam: 50%

    • Final Exam: 50%

    • Assignments and Quizzes: 50%

Reading Materials

  1. "Contemporary Issues in Ethics and Information Technology" by Robert A. Schultz (2006, IRM Press)

  2. "Ethics for the Information Age" by Michael J. Quinn (7th Edition, Pearson Education, 2017)

  3. "Ethics and Technology: Controversies, Questions, and Strategies for Ethical Computing" by Herman T. Tavani (4th Edition, Wiley, 2013)

  4. "A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing Technology" by Sara Baase & Timothy M. Henry (5th Edition, Pearson Education Publishing, 2017)

  5. "Ethics in Information Technology" by George Reynolds (6th Edition, Cengage Learning Publishing, 2018)

Class Attendance

  • Regular class attendance is mandatory.

  • Missing three consecutive classes results in forfeiting the end-of-semester exam.

  • For any missed class, it's essential to notify the instructor in advance due to illness or other extenuating circumstances.

MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL AND ETHICAL COMPUTING
Learning Objectives

  • After completing this module, students should be able to:

  1. Learn about contributions of several pioneers in computing.

  2. Compare life pre- and post-personal computers and the Internet.

  3. Identify significant trends in computing history.

Module Outline

  • Historical Development of Computing

  • Development of the Internet

  • Development of the World Wide Web

  • Emergence of Social and Ethical Problems in Computing

  • Case for Computer Ethics Education

Historical Development of Computing and IT
Before 1900 A.D.

  • The invention of gadgets for ease of life marks the timeline of computing, much like humanity's recorded history.

  • Early tools focused on numbers, evidenced by the first recorded prime numbers on animal bones between 20,000 BC to 30,000 BC.

  • By 1800 BC, the first place-value number system emerged, aiding commercial transactions.

  • The abacus, invented between 1000 BC and 500 BC, was pivotal as a precursor to modern computers.

Key Developments

  • Circa 300 BC - 500 AD: Use of zero and negative numbers emerged.

  • 1500 AD: Leonardo da Vinci invented the first mechanical calculator, followed by notable advancements:

    • 1621 AD: Invention of the slide rule.

    • 1625 AD: Wilhelm Schichard's mechanical calculator.

    • 1640 AD: Blaise Pascal's Arithmetic Machine.

  • 1800 AD: Joseph-Marie Jacquard invented the punched card, enhancing both computation speed and information storage.

  • 1830s: Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine represented a major milestone in computing history.

    • George Boole's Boolean Algebra transformed logical reasoning within computing fields.

Milestones Post-1900 AD

  • 1904: John Ambrose Fleming invented the vacuum tube, vital for digital computers.

    • The vacuum tube dominated computing for over fifty years.

  • 1937: Invention of the Turing Machine by Alan Turing demonstrated some problems' non-computability.

  • 1939: Development of the first digital computer by John Vincent Atanasoff, known as a special-purpose electronic digital computer.

  • 1943: Alan Turing constructed the COLOSSUS, one of the earliest working programmable digital computers.

  • 1946: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) became operational, characterized by massive size and vacuum tube reliance.

  • Mid-20th Century: The paradigm of computing shifted with the introduction of the stored program concept leading to General-Purpose Digital Computers.

MODULE 2: MORALITY AND THE LAW
Learning Objectives

  • Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

  1. Make sound moral reasoning.

  2. Understand moral values and ideals in a person's life.

  3. Explore the relationship between morality and religion.

  4. Distinguish among morality, etiquette, law, and professional codes of conduct.

  5. Understand moral principles, conscience, and the relationship to self-interest.

Module Outline

  • Definition of Morality

  • Moral Theories

  • Moral Codes

  • Moral Standards

  • Guilt and Conscience

  • Natural Law

  • Conventional Law

  • Purpose of Laws

  • Morality and the Law

Definition of Morality

  • A set of rules of right conduct that regulates and modifies behavior, including virtues such as:

    • Love for others

    • Compassion

    • Desire for justice

  • Builds individual character traits and is inherently group-based with shared rules applied to a society.

  • Influences: Time and place; moral values are not static.

Moral Theories

  1. Justification of beliefs within society through moral theories is essential for rational and rigorous deliberations.

  2. Moral theories include:

    • Rational intuition

    • Distinguishing primary from secondary moral principles

    • Calculating consequences for actions

Moral Codes

  • Set of shared rules or norms dictating behavior for society's members; signifies survival.

  • Some moral codes are timeless and culture-neutral, exerting involuntary influence over members.

Moral Standards

  • Special norms guiding policies that define ethical behavior and maintain order within groups.

  • Strict adherence is often enforced through guilt and self-judgment.

Guilt and Conscience

  • These components form judgment mechanics, regulating adherence to moral standards.

    • Guilt: Internal enforcement for not living up to standards.

    • Conscience: Capacity for self-judgment based on personal moral standards.

Natural Law

  • Unwritten rights serving as a higher human law, such as:

    • Self-defense

    • Individual property

    • Liberty

  • Basis of civilization and applicable universally.

Conventional Law

  • Formed by humans via public deliberation; varies by society.

  • Aims to protect life, property, and liberty, establishing punishment systems for unlawful acts.

Morality and the Law

  • Laws stem from moral codes, guiding society’s regulations and behaviors.

END OF MODULE 2
MODULE 3: ETHICS, TECHNOLOGY, AND VALUES
Learning Objectives

  • Learn to analyze arguments for premises and conclusions.

  • Illustrate ethical arguments.

  • Identify stakeholders in various issues.

  • Evaluate trade-offs in technical decisions.

  • Assess professional codes of ethics for organizations like ACM.

Module Outline

  • Traditional Definition of Ethics

  • Ethical Theories

  • Functional Definition of Ethics

  • Codes of Ethics

  • Reflections on Computer Ethics

  • Technology and Values

Traditional Definition of Ethics

  • Derived from Greek word "ethe’" meaning character; involves rules for moral decisions.

Ethical Theories

  • Developed over time as frameworks for justifying human actions.

  • Types include:

  1. Consequentialism: Actions are deemed good/bad based on outcomes (e.g., Egoism, Utilitarianism).

  2. Deontology: Actions deemed good if performed out of duty.

  3. Human nature: Judging actions based on capabilities.

  4. Relativism: Right/wrong are societal constructs.

  5. Hedonism: Seeks maximum pleasure for all.

  6. Emotivism: Ethical statements are subjective.

Codes of Ethics

  • This segment investigates the purpose and objectives of ethical codes, which include:

  1. Disciplinary: Ensuring professionalism among members.

  2. Advisory: Providing guidance on moral dilemmas.

  3. Educational: Teaching new members ethics.

  4. Inspirational: Encouraging moral behavior in members.

  5. Publicity: Creating a responsible image for a profession.

Reflections on Computer Ethics

  • Computer ethics poses unique challenges compared to traditional ethics due to changing premises, different ethical challenges presented by technology, and complacency in dealing with emerging issues.

Technology and Values

  • The relationship between technology and moral values is dynamic; technological advancements can both enhance and undermine societal values.

END OF MODULE 3
MODULE 4: ETHICS AND THE PROFESSIONS
Learning Objectives

  • Identify ethical issues in decision-making and analyze global computing issues.

  • Describe mechanisms for ethical decision-making.

  • Explain whistleblowing stages and analyze professional codes.

Module Outline

  • Introduction

  • Evolution of Professions

  • Making an Ethical Professional

  • Professional Decision Making and Ethics

Introduction

  • The evolution of professions traces back to medieval craftsmen’s guilds emphasizing standards, competence, and intellectual qualifications.

Evolution of Professions

  • Current professionalism emphasizes:

    • High skillset.

    • Autonomy and adherence to various codes, including:

    1. Professional code

    2. Personal code

    3. Institutional code

    4. Community code

Making an Ethical Professional

  • Involves education, ethical licensing, and codes with mechanisms for enforcement and grievances.

Professional Decision Making and Ethics

  • Ethical dilemmas arise from competing codes, tech advances, and incomplete information.

  • The ethical decision-making process requires fact-checking, identifying conflicts between codes, and evaluating the final decision's outcome.

Whistleblowing

  • Whistleblowers highlight moral issues within organizations, facing risks like reprisal and ethical dilemmas.

END OF MODULE 4
MODULE 5: ANONYMITY, SECURITY, PRIVACY, AND CIVIL LIBERTIES
Learning Objectives

  • Summarize legal grounds for privacy rights and security procedures.

  • Propose security measures and describe threats to privacy.

  • Explain how the Internet impacts freedom of expression.

Module Outline

  • Introduction

  • Privacy

  • Security

Introduction

  • Information’s value is increasing due to technological advancements, posing misuse threats.

Anonymity

  • Defined as absence of identity, with two types including pseudo and untraceable anonymity.

Security

  • Refers to measures preventing unauthorized access, encompassing:

    • Confidentiality

    • Integrity

    • Availability

  • Different types of security measures include:

    • Perimeter security (fences, guards)

    • Firewalls

    • Password protections

Consumer Privacy

  • Rights and instances of privacy violations, including intrusion and misuse of information.

END OF MODULE 5
MODULE 6: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
Learning Objectives

  • Distinguish between patent, copyright, and trade secret protections.

  • Discuss national and international copyright backgrounds.

Module Outline

  • Computer Products and Services

  • Instruments of Protection

  • Ownership

  • Infringement

  • Legal Protection of Software

Computer Products and Services

  • Products: Tangible items with intrinsic value.

  • Services: Intangible items with intrinsic value.

  • Software: Logical instructions with forms including source code and executable code.

Instruments of Protection Include

  1. Copyrights: Protect creative works with stipulations for originality.

  2. Patents: Protect useful inventions for a defined period.

  3. Trade Secrets: Protect proprietary information indefinitely if kept confidential.

Infringement

  • Describes unlawful use of protected intellectual property.

  • Categories include: Direct, Inducement, and Contributory infringement.

END OF MODULE 6
MODULE 7: SOCIAL CONTEXT OF COMPUTING
Learning Objectives

  • Interpret social contexts of tech implementations, evaluate interaction modes, and analyze digital divide issues.

Module Outline

  • The Digital Divide

  • ICT in the Workplace

  • Employee Monitoring

The Digital Divide

  • Refers to technological inequalities affected by factors like geography, income, and education.

ICT in the Workplace

  • Examines the impact of technology on productivity, employment, and interaction modes.

Employee Monitoring

  • Discusses impacts of electronic surveillance and privacy concerns.

END OF MODULE 7
MODULE 8: SOFTWARE ISSUES: RISKS AND LIABILITIES
Learning Objectives

  • Explain software testing limitations and discuss risk management.

Module Outline

  • Definitions

  • Causes of Software Failures

  • Risks

  • Consumer Protection

Definitions

  • Software: Sequences of commands performed by computers, created for specific tasks.

Causes of Software Failures

  • Variables including human error, design misunderstanding, and complexities in programming contribute to failure rates.

Risks

  • Defined as potential hazards associated with software failures, driven by various operational shortcomings.

END OF MODULE 8
MODULE 9: COMPUTER CRIMES
Learning Objectives

  • Describe trends in computer crimes and the cost of cybersecurity breaches.

Module Outline

  • Introduction

  • History of Computer Crimes

  • Types of Computer Attacks

Introduction to Computer Crimes

  • Defined as illegal acts involving computers, including software piracy and cybersecurity threats.

History of Computer Crimes

  • Notable events like the early hacking phenomenon and significant legislation like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act shaped cyber laws.

Types of Computer Attacks

  • Categories include Network intrusions, Denial of Service attacks, and Malware deployment illustrating varied attack motives.

END OF MODULE 9