Ethics And Ownership (Copy)
Cheat Sheet: A Level Computer Science – Ethics, Ownership & Artificial Intelligence
1. Ethics in Computing
Why Ethics Matter
- Ensures responsible, fair, and legal use of technology
- Prevents harm, data misuse, and system abuse
- Promotes trust in the computing profession
Consequences of Ethical vs Unethical Actions
| Ethical Actions | Unethical Actions |
|---|---|
| Protect user data and privacy | Data theft or misuse |
| Respect intellectual property | Software piracy |
| Follow legal & professional standards | System hacking, spreading malware |
| Design inclusive, accessible systems | Bias, discrimination, or exclusion |
2. Professional Ethical Bodies
| Organization | Purpose |
|---|---|
| BCS (British Computer Society) | Sets codes of conduct, promotes professionalism in IT |
| IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) | Publishes ethical standards for engineering and technology practices |
Benefits of Membership:
- Career credibility and accountability
- Access to guidelines, resources, and certifications
- Peer-reviewed standards for ethical dilemmas
3. Copyright and Software Licensing
Copyright Legislation
- Protects ownership of creative and digital works
- Prevents unauthorized use, copying, or distribution
Software Licensing Types
| Type | Description | Examples / Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Free Software Foundation (FSF) | Users can run, modify, and share software freely | GNU Project |
| Open Source Initiative (OSI) | Source code is available for modification and redistribution | Linux, Apache |
| Shareware | Free trial with eventual payment expected | WinRAR, early Photoshop trials |
| Commercial Software | Paid software with restricted use rights | Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite |
Justification for Licensing:
- Protects developer rights
- Encourages responsible usage
- Ensures legal accountability
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
What is AI?
- Branch of computing that simulates human intelligence
- Includes learning, problem-solving, decision-making
Applications of AI
- Virtual assistants (e.g., Siri, Alexa)
- Medical diagnostics
- Autonomous vehicles
- Predictive analytics
- Fraud detection
Impact of AI
| Area | Impacts |
|---|---|
| Social | Job displacement, improved healthcare, changes in education |
| Economic | Automation of labor, cost savings, new markets and skills |
| Environmental | Efficient energy management, but high AI training energy use |