The Ten Commandments

For Computer Ethics

• Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

• Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.

• Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's files.

• Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

• Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

• Thou shalt not use or copy software for which you have not paid.
• Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without
authorization.

• Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.

• Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you
write.

• Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect.
• Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice
• "The time is right to get serious about this. As software becomes
increasingly dominant in the IT industry, and, indeed, in everything else,
there is an obvious need for a professional-level recognition. Far too
much is placed on particular credentials for specific products or
applications without regard to the bigger picture. The result is poorly
engineered software projects."
• This is Short Version of Version 5.2 as recommended by the IEEE-CS/ACM
Joint Task Force on Software Engineering Ethics and Professional Practices
and Jointly approved by the ACM and the IEEE-CS as the standard for
teaching and practicing software engineering.
• Software engineers shall commit themselves to making the analysis,
specification, design, development, testing and maintenance of software a
beneficial and respected profession. In accordance with their commitment to
the health, safety and welfare of the public, software engineers shall adhere
to the following Eight Principles:
• PUBLIC - Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.
• CLIENT AND EMPLOYER - Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in
the best interests of their client and employer consistent with the public
interest.
• PRODUCT - Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related
modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.
• JUDGMENT - Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their
professional judgment.
• MANAGEMENT - Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and
promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and
maintenance.
• PROFESSION - Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the
profession consistent with the public interest.
• COLLEAGUES - Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.
• SELF - Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice
of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the
profession.
• A code of ethics
• A statement that highlights an organization’s key ethical issues and identifies the
overarching values and principles that are important to the organization and its decision
making.
• Codes frequently include a set of formal, written statements about the purpose of an
organization, its values, and the principles that should guide its employees’ actions.
• An organization’s code of ethics applies to its directors, officers, and employees, and it
should focus employees on areas of ethical risk relating to their role in the organization,
offer guidance to help them recognize and deal with ethical issues, and provide
mechanisms for reporting unethical conduct and fostering a culture of honesty and
accountability within the organization.
• An effective code of ethics helps ensure that employees abide by the law, follow necessary
regulations, and behave in an ethical manner.
• Organizations have 5 good reasons for promoting a work environment
in which employees are encouraged to act ethically when making
business decisions:
• Gaining the goodwill of the community
• Creating an organization that operates consistently
• Fostering good business practices
• Protecting the organization and its employees from legal action
• Avoiding unfavorable publicity