Contemporary Issues in Computer Engineering Notes

Contemporary Issues in Computer Engineering: Laws and Professional Practice
Key Topics

  • Laws and ethics for computer engineers

  • New tech problems with laws

  • Software rules and following them

  • Laws about work for engineers

What are Today's Issues?

  • Today's issues are problems now because of tech, society, and politics.

  • For computer engineers, it's things like:

    • Stopping computer attacks (like viruses)

    • Keeping data safe (like GDPR)

    • Being fair with AI (no unfair robots)

  • To fix this, we need:

    • New laws

    • Stronger security (like passwords)

    • Being ethical (making tech safe and fair)

Computer Engineering Laws

  • Cybercrime Prevention Act (RA 10175): Stops online crime (hacking, stealing).

  • Electronics Engineering Law of 2004 (RA 9292): Says who can be a computer engineer in the Philippines.

  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Rules for keeping data safe around the world.

  • Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA): Stops people from using computers without permission.

Intellectual Property (IP) in Computer Engineering

  • Copyright: Protects code and writing.

  • Patents: Protects new tech ideas.

  • Trademarks: Protects logos and brands.

  • Open-Source Licensing: Says how you can change and share software.

Data Privacy Regulations

  • Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173, Philippines): Rules for using personal data in the Philippines.

  • California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA, USA): Gives people control over their data in California.

Key Ethical Issues in Data Privacy

  • Informed Consent: Ask people if you can use their data.

  • Right to be Forgotten: Let people delete their data.

  • Data Breaches: Keep data safe from hackers.

Cybersecurity Laws and Ethics

  • Cybercrime (hacking, viruses, scams) is dangerous for people and companies.

    • Example: Ransomware locks your computer and asks for money.

  • Governments have laws to stop cybercrime.

    • Example: Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Professional Ethics in Computer Engineering

  • IEEE Code of Ethics: Rules for engineers to be honest and safe.

  • ACM Code of Ethics: Rules for computer people to be responsible and not cause harm.

Emerging Technologies & Legal Issues in Computer Engineering

AI Ethics and Legal Challenges

  • Bias and Discrimination:

    • AI can be unfair.

    • Example: AI might not hire certain people.

    • Follow EU AI Act and GDPR to be fair.

  • Data Privacy:

    • AI uses lots of data, so be careful.

    • Ask people before using their data (GDPR and CCPA).

  • Liability and Accountability:

    • Who is to blame if AI makes a mistake?

    • Still figuring this out in court.

IoT Security and Legal Frameworks

  • Cybersecurity Threats: IoT devices (like smart homes) can be hacked.

    • Follow U.S. and EU Cybersecurity Acts.

  • Data Protection & Privacy: IoT devices collect data without asking.

    • Follow GDPR rules.

  • Compliance and Standardization: No clear IoT laws, so use security standards (ISO/IEC 27001).

Blockchain and Legal Challenges

  • Cryptocurrency Regulation: Governments are making rules for Bitcoin.

    • Agencies like SEC and FATF stop money laundering.

  • Smart Contracts & Legal Recognition: Smart contracts are automatic deals, but are they legal?

  • Intellectual Property & Ownership: Who owns stuff on the blockchain?

Cloud Computing Laws and Compliance

  • Data Sovereignty: Data must stay in certain countries (like China and EU).

  • Service Provider Liability: Cloud companies (like Amazon) must follow U.S. Cloud Act.

  • Compliance with Industry Regulation: Healthcare and finance have special rules for cloud data (HIPAA and PCI DSS).

Software Licensing

  • Description: Rules for using software.

  • Purpose: Protect software and say who can use it.

  • Components:

    • Who can use it

    • How to share it

    • How to change it

    • Who gets credit

    • What if it breaks

Proprietary Software Licensing

  • Software with rules that limit what you can do.

  • Characteristics:

    • No code to see

    • Pay to use

    • Only certain people can use

    • No copying

  • Types:

    • EULA: Agreement when you install software.

    • Volume Licensing: Many people use it in a company.

    • Subscription-based: Pay to use for a while.

Open-Source Software Licensing

  • Software that lets you use, change, and share it.

  • Core Principles:

    • Use the program for anything

    • See and change the code

    • Share copies

    • Share changes you make

Software Piracy

  • Copying software without permission.

  • Common Forms:

    • Copying for friends

    • Too many people using it

    • Downloading illegally

    • Selling fake software

Why is Software Licensing an Issue?

  • Open-Source Rise: Lots of different licenses that can be confusing.

  • Evolving Business Models: Software online makes new legal questions.

  • Globalization Challenges: Different countries have different rules.

  • Corporate Compliance Requirements: Companies need to know what licenses they have.

Oracle vs. Google Lawsuit

  • Background: Google used Java in Android.

  • Dispute: Oracle said Google copied Java.

  • Legal Proceedings: Big court fight about software rules.

  • Outcome: Google won because it was "fair use."

Workplace & Employment Laws

Employment Rights

  • Right to Fair Compensation: Get paid fairly for your work.

    • Overtime (more than 8 hours) gets extra pay.

  • Security of Tenure: Can't be fired without a good reason.

  • 13th Month Pay: Extra month's pay in December.

  • Separation Pay: Money if you get laid off.

Workplace Safety & Professional Protections

  • Occupational Safety & Health Standards (OSH): Safe workplace.

  • Professional Regulation: Follow the rules for engineers.

  • Whistleblower Protection: Can't be punished for reporting problems.

Labor Laws in the Philippines

  • General Labor Rights:

    • Regularization (6-Month Rule): Become a regular employee after 6 months.

    • Overtime & Night Shift Pay: Extra money for extra hours.

    • Holiday & Rest Day Pay: Extra money for working on holidays.

  • Employment Benefits:

    • SSS, PhilHealth, & Pag-IBIG: Social security and health insurance.

    • Maternity & Paternity Leave: Time off for new parents.

    • Solo Parent Leave: Time off for single parents.

    • Service Incentive Leave (SIL): Paid time off.

  • Termination & Resignation:

    • Just & Authorized Causes: Can only be fired for a good reason.

    • Resignation Notice Period: Tell your boss 30 days before leaving.

Remote Work Policies in the Philippines

  • Telecommuting Act: Rules for working from home.

  • Voluntary Agreement: Must agree to work from home.

  • Equal Benefits: Get the same pay and benefits as in