Ethical and Cultural Issues

Ethical Issues in Computer Science

Ethics are rules or standards that govern the behaviour of individuals or groups.
Making ethical decisions in computer science involves considering the impact that technology may have on society, and making choices that are fair, honest, and responsible.
Privacy issues arise when personal or sensitive data is collected, stored, or shared. It is important to obtain informed consent, and to use and store data in a secure and legal manner.
Intellectual Property Rights protect a person or company’s ownership of ideas, designs, software, and works of art. It is unethical to copy or use someone else’s work without permission.
Computers and technology can be used in ways that are illegal or harmful, such as cyberbullying, hacking, or creating and sharing illegal content. It is unethical to use technology in these ways.
There are also ethical issues around the workplace use of computers and technology. These can include issues related to health and safety, access to technology, or the ‘digital divide’.

Cultural Sensitivity in computer science means understanding and respecting the ways in which different cultures use and view technology.
Due to globalization, technology is used across various cultures all over the world so it’s critical to ensure that it is accessible and appropriate for all users irrespective of their cultural background.
Cultural Stereotypes and Bias can inadvertently be built into technology. For example, voice recognition software that doesn’t recognise certain accents, or algorithms that show bias in their output.
The Digital Divide can be a cultural issue, where some groups do not have the same level of access to technology due to factors like income, geography, age, or ethnicity.
Computers and technology can both reflect and influence culture. For example, how social media is used can be affected by cultural norms, and can also shape those norms.
There are cultural issues around online behaviour and etiquette. What is considered acceptable behaviour in one culture may not be in another. This is another aspect where the cultural sensitivity in technology plays a significant role.