Marya Noverina

071001500078

COMPUTER ETHICS

According to the academic papers, Computer ethics is a branch of practical philosophy

which discuss how to make decisions as computing professionals. The papers I used as references

are “Computer Ethics and IT Professionals” by Aliyu A. O. and “Cyber Crime & Ethics in

Computer Education” by Sunita Verma. Beside the papers, I also read some references by Tom

Forester and E. W. Michael Hoffman. Mainly both of these papers discussed the same subject,

which is the usage of computer technology. However, these two have different way of approaching

the topic. Aliyu’s paper mainly focused on the definition and the role of ethical knowledge on

computing, meanwhile Verma’s paper focused on the problem or violation we may encounter

while using computer technology. These papers discuss the probability of someone penetrate into

our personal data and how to deal or prevent the these problems.

Both of these papers explained the importance of ethics application on computing. Both

Forester and Hoffman mentioned the beneficial of computer technology while also defining what

kind of action that could be considered as a crime. Aliyu indicate the limitation of privacy while

using computer, question such as “is copying software really a form of stealing?” and “does

information of individuals stored in the computer constitute an intolerable invasion of privacy?”.

While Verma explained the serious crime such as hacking or penetrating into company’s personal

data through computer. However, eventhought both of the papers state the crime that could be
done through computer, Verma explained ways to deal with this kind of crime. Meanwhile Aliyu

explained how to educate the ethical knowledge to prevent the crime actions. They discussed the

same topic but provide an explanation from different perspectives.

In conclusion, both of the papers agrees that it’s really important to acknowledge the rules

and limitation before actually using a computer technology. Internet is a risky area which could

easily attract any kind of crimes. However, we can’t really leave the technology of computer and

internet behind in order to avoid the incidents. The data we may receive through the computer

come with it’s own risk we need to be aware of. To prevent the crimes that could be occurred, we

could either taught the ethical knowledge to those who haven’t experienced using computer or

improve security of our personal data. We have to raise our awareness of the importance of

computer ethics. The awareness of this ethical could both improve the safety of our personal

informations and teach us how to properly surf through the web.

References:

1. Hoffman, E. W. Michael and Jennifel Mills Moore Cambridge, “Ethics and the Management

of Computer Technology”, MA: Oelgeschlager, Gunn & Hain, Publishers, Inc.. 1982.

2. Forester, Tom and Perry Morrison Cambridge, “Computer Ethics”, MA: the MIT Press, 1990.

3. Aliyu, A.O and Adedayo Stephen, “Computer Ethics and IT Professionals”, Energy

Commission of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.

4. Verma, Sunita and Rajan Manro, “Cyber Crime & Ethics in Computer Education”, Mandi

Gobindgargh.