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Professional Ethics And Responsibilities - Coggle Diagram
Professional Ethics And Responsibilities
9.2 Ethical Guidelines for Computer Professionals 405
9.2.1 Special Aspects of Professional Ethics 405
Responsibility to the Public
Professionals have responsibilities not only to their direct customers but also to the general public.
Responsibilities include considering risks to privacy, security, safety, reliability, and ease of use.
Taking action to mitigate risks and protect the well-being of users and the public.
Ethical Considerations in Software Development
Flaws in computer systems can have minor or major consequences.
Professionals have an ethical responsibility to exercise a high degree of care.
The ethical duty extends beyond avoiding intentional harm to reducing the likelihood of problems.
Impact on Society
Products and services of professionals can significantly impact large numbers of people.
Professionals have the potential to cause harm through dishonesty, carelessness, or incompetence.
Victims may not have the ability to protect themselves, creating a need for ethical responsibility.
Maintaining Competence
Professionals are ethically responsible for maintaining an expected level of competence.
Staying up-to-date on current knowledge, technology, and professional standards.
Knowing or learning enough about the application field to deliver quality work.
Expertise and Obligation
Professionals are experts in their fields, and customers often lack knowledge about the products or services.
Customers rely on the professional's knowledge, expertise, and honesty.
Professionals have an obligation to provide and uphold their advertised expertise.
Courage in Professional Settings
Courage in a professional setting involves making good decisions that may be unpopular.
Examples include admitting faults in a program to a customer.
Also, declining a job for which one is not qualified or speaking out against unethical behavior.
9.2.2 Professional Codes of Ethics 406
Focus of Codes
Emphasize basic ethical values, particularly honesty and fairness.
Cover various aspects of professional behavior, including confidentiality, competence, legal awareness, and honoring contracts.
Promote a culture of integrity within the profession.
Special Emphasis Areas
Privacy and protection: Emphasize responsibility to respect and protect privacy.
Avoiding harm: Stress the obligation to prevent harm to others.
Respect property rights: Especially relevant examples include intellectual property and computer systems.
Prominent Organizations for Computer Professionals
ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) and IEEE Computer Society.
Developed the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (SE Code).
Developed the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
SE Code in Software Development
SE Code covers specific points related to software development.
Available in multiple languages for broad adoption.
Adopted as an internal professional standard by various organizations.
Purpose of Codes
Provide a general statement of ethical values.
Remind professionals of their ethical responsibilities.
Offer guidance, especially for those new to the profession or facing difficult ethical situations.
Managerial Responsibility
Managers have a special responsibility as they oversee projects.
They play a role in setting ethical standards for employees.
Principle 5 of the SE Code provides specific guidelines for managers.
Professional Codes of Ethics
Many professional organizations have established codes of professional conduct.
These codes articulate general ethical values essential to the profession.
They serve as a reminder that ethical behavior is a fundamental aspect of the job.
9.2.3 Guidelines and Professional Responsibilities 407
Verification of Existing Software
Caution against assuming the safety or correctness of existing software.
Emphasize the need to verify the suitability of software for a specific project.
Reference safety evaluations, highlighting examples from Chapter 8 (Therac-25, Ariane 5).
Openness and Honesty
Advocate openness and honesty about software capabilities, safety, and limitations.
Discuss the ethical dimension of honesty, especially in sales and customer relations.
Emphasize the importance of not hiding known flaws and being truthful with customers.
Designing for Real Users
Emphasize the responsibility to design systems considering real user behavior.
Address the possibility of human errors, typos, and confusion.
Stress the importance of clear user interfaces and appropriate input checking.
Reinforcing Exclusion
Explore unintentional exclusion in speaker recognition systems, highlighting biases.
Examples include male-dominated development leading to gender biases.
Stress the importance of conscious and reasonable choices in system design.
Thorough Project Planning
Emphasize the importance of thorough planning and scheduling in project management.
Allocate sufficient time and budget for testing and other critical development steps.
Refer to SE Code principles 3.02, 3.09, and 3.10.
Honesty About System Limitations
Emphasize the importance of honesty regarding system limitations.
Especially crucial for expert systems guiding decision-making (e.g., medical diagnoses).
Users must understand limitations, and developers must communicate them transparently.
Including Users in Design and Testing
Involve users (e.g., medical staff, technicians, pilots) in design and testing stages.
Illustration from airplane computer controls, emphasizing user interfaces.
Highlight the impact of not considering user needs, with examples like a newborn nursery system.
Require a Convincing Case for Safety
Discuss the challenge of determining acceptable risk in safety-critical applications.
Emphasize the need for a convincing case for safety before proceeding.
Reference the guideline from Section 8.3.1 regarding suspension or delay in the absence of safety assurance.
Understanding Success
Define the system's role broadly to avoid narrow perspectives leading to system failures.
Acknowledge the wider context, beyond data manipulation correctness.
Emphasize the importance of success in achieving the system's intended goals.
Attention to Defaults
Highlight the significance of default settings in customizable systems.
Discuss the ethical priorities in setting defaults, considering privacy, security, and user expectations.
Acknowledge potential conflicts in priorities and the impact on user experience.
Guidelines and Professional Responsibilities
Principles for producing good systems, relevant to software developers and decision-makers.
Many specific guidelines in the SE Code and ACM Code provide further ethical guidance.
Additional principles and guidelines explained in scenarios in Section 9.3.
Develop Communication Skills
Stress the importance of effective communication skills for computer professionals.
Use examples like a security consultant explaining risks to clients.
Emphasize organizing information, engaging listeners, and ensuring effective communication in various situations.
9.1 What Is “Professional Ethics”? 404
Subtle Ethical Problems
Examples: Setting priorities for organ transplant recipients (health care).
Computer Professionals: Decisions on risk acceptability, use of intellectual property.
Scenario: Private company contract for database from government records.
Decision-Making in Professional Context
Basis: General ethical principles and theories.
Special Aspects: Unique considerations in a professional context.
Principles Review: Referring back to Section 1.4 for general ethical principles.
Negative Consequences of Lies
Impact: Casts doubt on others' work or word.
Resource Wastage: Falsifying research is a form of indirect theft.
Harm: Lies contribute to incorrect choices and decisions, causing harm.
Ethical Components in Technological Decisions
Examples: Developing a smartphone app for paying bills.
Security: Considerations in distributing software.
Training Allocation: Decision about allocating resources for employee training.
Ethical Dilemmas in Decision Making
Nature: Some decisions have minor consequences, while others are significant.
Information Basis: Decisions based on available information.
Human Activity: Lies sabotage the essential activity of absorbing and processing information.
Controversial Social and Legal Issues
Nature: Related social and legal issues are often controversial.
Overlap: Some ethical issues are controversial as well.
Consideration: Recognition of the controversial nature of certain decisions.
Honesty as Fundamental Ethical Value
Importance: Fundamental ethical value.
Consequences: Lapses in honesty can have significant negative consequences.
Kant's View: Lies treat people as means to ends, not ends in themselves.
Ethical Guidelines for Computer Professionals
Upcoming Focus: Section 9.2 discusses ethical guidelines.
Based On: General ethical principles and theories.
Application: Guidelines specific to the field of computer professionals.
Professional Ethics
Definition: Scope varies, includes social and political issues.
Examples: Impact on employment, environmental concerns, military use, privacy issues.
Focus: Narrowly on professional ethics for computer professionals.
Sample Scenarios
Discussion: Section 9.3 delves into sample scenarios.
Illustration: Practical application of ethical guidelines.
Understanding: Real-world examples for better comprehension.
9.3 Scenarios
9.3.1 Introduction and Methodology 410
Categorizing Actions
Classify potential actions as ethically obligatory, prohibited, or acceptable.
Select ethically acceptable options based on merits, courtesy, practicality, etc.
Plan a sequence of actions if needed.
Guidelines and Professional Responsibilities (from 9.2.3)
Principles for producing good systems (SE Code and ACM Code).
Understanding success beyond data manipulation correctness.
Importance of involving users in design and testing.
Analysis Phase
Identify decision maker's responsibilities (both general and professional ethics).
Identify stakeholders' rights (negative or positive).
Consider the impact of action options on stakeholders.
Apply SE Code, ACM Code, and ethical theories (Kant, Mill, Rawls).
Design Considerations
Emphasize planning and scheduling for projects.
Stress the need to design for real users, considering potential errors.
Caution against assuming the safety or correctness of existing software.
Brainstorming Phase
Identify stakeholders in the scenario.
List risks, issues, problems, consequences.
Identify benefits and beneficiaries.
List possible actions for cases without a simple yes or no decision.
Communication and Honesty
Importance of open and honest communication about software.
Examples of dishonesty towards customers in Chapter 8.
Importance of taking responsibility for damage and honesty about system limitations.
Analyzing Specific Scenarios
Tools available: apply ethical theories, consult professional codes, consider basic ethical values.
Identify responsibilities of decision-makers and rights of stakeholders.
Analyze consequences, risks, benefits, harms, and costs for each action.
Reinforcing Exclusion
Examples of unintentional exclusion in speaker recognition systems.
Importance of considering diverse user groups.
Link to the concept that doing "good" coincides with producing a good product.
Ethical Decision-Making
No single right answer; multiple ethically acceptable responses.
No algorithm for correct answers; reliance on knowledge and problem-solving.
Emphasis on reducing negative consequences rather than absolute right or wrong.
Safety and Defaults
Require a convincing case for safety in safety-critical applications.
Importance of attention to default settings in customizable systems.
Conflicts in priorities regarding protection, ease of use, and compatibility.
Introduction and Methodology
Various cases presented, reflecting professional responsibilities.
Cases vary in seriousness and difficulty.
Ethical basis crucial for decision-making; disagreement possible.
Communication Skills
Importance of developing communication skills for computer professionals.
Examples of challenges in conveying technical issues to clients.
Emphasis on effective presentations and ensuring understanding.
9.3.2 Protecting Personal Data 412
Balancing Security and Cost
Features increase system cost; convincing director is key to improving security.
Ethically acceptable options: Refusal, compromise, or adding features without charge.
Consideration of potential harm to clients from an insecure system.
Ethical Dilemma
Scenario where the director claims the clinic can't afford all security features.
Options: Develop a cheap, vulnerable system; refuse and risk losing the job; compromise; add features without charge.
Ethical responsibility not to build a system without adequate privacy protection.
System Security Measures
Recommendations: Encryption on laptops, extra security features (e.g., thumbprint readers).
Warnings about potential bribes, propose procedures (user ID, password, access restrictions).
Professional competence, currency, and awareness crucial for effective suggestions.
Defining Adequate Protection
Encryption of personal records on portable devices may be essential.
Monitoring employee Web access is context-dependent.
Need for reliance on professional knowledge, up-to-date information, and good judgment.
Risk Awareness and Recommendations
Director may be unaware of tech risks; obligation to inform, akin to a physician's duty.
Suggestions: Use identification codes, encryption for transmission, and security software.
Caution against carrying sensitive records on laptops or phones.
Avoiding Unnecessary Scare Tactics
Professional ethical responsibility not to exaggerate security risks.
Caution against overselling expensive security measures for unlikely risks.
Balancing privacy protection without imposing unnecessary financial burden.
Protecting Personal Data
Scenario: Community clinic director wants a computerized system for family violence cases.
Stakeholders: Clinic director, employees, donors, clients, and family members.
Ethical responsibility to inform the director of technology risks.
Professional Responsibility and Consultation
Recognition of professional responsibility in privacy protection.
Acknowledgment that the line between sufficient and insufficient protection is not always clear.
Consideration of consultation with others in similar fields (SE Code 7.08).
9.3.3 Designing an Email System With Targeted Ads 414
Necessity of Data Storage
Acknowledgment that some data storage is necessary for billing, analysis, and complaint resolution.
Need for the design team to determine the type, association, storage duration, and protection of stored records.
Implementing a transparent data retention policy accessible to users.
Informed Consent Reconsideration
Privacy policies and user agreements may not be read by most users.
Legal consent via clicks might occur, but ethical responsibility demands additional safeguards.
Developing user-friendly summaries or visual aids to enhance understanding of the privacy policy.
Data Storage and Privacy Threats
Consideration of what the system will store: ads displayed, keywords, user clicks.
Recognition that displayed ads could reveal significant user information.
Regular audits and assessments to ensure data storage practices align with evolving privacy regulations.
System Risks and Protections
Designers must think about potential risks and build protections.
Suggestions for reducing unintended disclosure, such as restricting sensitive topics.
Collaborating with cybersecurity experts to implement robust encryption measures.
Privacy Protection and Informed Consent
Sophisticated text analysis system for ad selection without human reading.
Marketing emphasizes informed consent regarding targeted ads.
Continuous monitoring and updating of the text analysis system to adapt to evolving privacy standards.
Turning off Ads and Ethical Obligation
Consideration of allowing users to turn off ads.
No strong ethical obligation, but it could be admirable and a good business decision.
Weighing the balance between free services, advertising, user preferences, and corporate sustainability.
Designing an Email System with Targeted Ads
Company developing a free email service with targeted advertising.
Ethical responsibilities in protecting email privacy and user consent.
Balancing revenue generation through ads with user privacy concerns.
Opt-Out Option
Offering an opt-out option is not ethically obligatory but could enhance user experience.
Potential benefits in creating goodwill and attracting users to other company services.
Balancing business decisions with user preferences, ethical considerations, and maintaining a sustainable business model.
9.3.4 Webcams in School Laptops1 415
Order Details and Informed Consent
Investigating whether laptops are for students or employees.
Considering the existence of privacy policies or informed consent for school employees.
Recognizing the need for transparency if students are the recipients.
Customer Trust and Responsibility
Emphasizing the ethical responsibility to inform customers about product risks.
Framing the responsibility as a service to the customer rather than a burden.
Suggesting solutions or alternatives to mitigate risks and maintain trust.
Stakeholders and Responsibilities
Identifying stakeholders: school district, students, parents, teachers, and the company.
Recognizing responsibilities to multiple parties beyond the customer.
Acknowledging interests in security and proper usage of webcam software.
Negative Scenarios and Ethical Course
Acknowledging the possibility of the school district rejecting security proposals.
Weighing risks to other parties when ethical dilemmas arise.
Considering passing on a contract as an ethical course of action in certain situations.
Duty to Know and Inform
Reflecting on the responsibility to understand product usage.
Consideration of informing and cautioning customers about potential risks.
Balancing duty to the paying customer with broader responsibilities to users and the public.
Awareness and Preparation
Stressing the importance of awareness and preparation to avoid negative situations.
Advocating for familiarity with all products offered by the company.
Formulating contractual requirements in advance to address ethical concerns.
Webcams in School Laptops
Installation of software packages for large laptop orders.
Concerns about webcam software allowing remote activation.
Ethical considerations regarding product usage and potential risks.
High Ethical Standard
Establishing a policy for installing products only on systems meeting minimum security requirements.
Frontloading ethical considerations in the negotiating process.
Positioning the company as one with high ethical standards and risk-awareness.
9.3.5 Publishing Security Vulnerabilities 416
Risks of Publishing Vulnerabilities
Potential financial loss for the transit system if the information is exploited.
Legal consequences for violating the court order and potential negative impact on the students and university.
Consideration of the broader implications and consequences for all parties involved.
Transit Authority's Request and Legal System
Transit authority requesting a ban to allow time for fixing the identified problems.
The judge dissolving the order after a week.
Acknowledging the flaws in the legal system but highlighting its importance in maintaining a peaceful and civil society.
Reasons to Circulate the Paper
Assertion of freedom of speech as a form of protest against the judge's order.
Sharing the research with security experts to raise awareness and encourage patch development.
Motivation to prompt the transit authority to address and fix the identified security problems.
Ethics of Ignoring Legal Decisions
Recognizing that ignoring a legal decision might be ethical in certain circumstances.
Emphasizing that disagreement with a legal decision is not sufficient grounds for disregarding it.
Reflecting on the necessity of accepting decisions from impartial adjudicators for societal order.
Publishing Security Vulnerabilities
MIT students planning to present security vulnerabilities in Boston's transit fare system.
Judge's order to cancel the presentation and not distribute their research.
Students debating whether to circulate the paper on the web.
Imagined Scenario Clarification
Acknowledging that the scenario is a mix of real incidents and fictional elements.
Clarifying the uncertainty about whether the students considered violating the order.
Noting the importance of considering the ethical implications of potential actions in such situations.
9.3.6 Specifications 417
Manager's Decision and Ethical Considerations
Rejecting the manager's decision due to lack of authority and incomplete specifications.
Emphasizing the need to consult higher-level managers or the client for decisions not covered in the specifications.
Highlighting the importance of documenting decisions to revise specifications.
Ethical Reasons for Consultation
Acknowledging the potential serious consequences of decisions on program behavior.
Recognizing the lack of sufficient knowledge about the broader uses and implications of the program.
Stressing the importance of informed responsibility in decision-making.
Consulting Specifications and Manager's Response
Checking specifications for guidance on missing demographic data.
Bringing the issue to the attention of the manager if specifications are silent.
Manager's directive to assume 'white' for missing race data and potential ethical concerns.
Potential Consequences of Manager's Decision
Consideration of future use of modules in different projects, such as drug research studies.
Recognition that inaccurate demographic data could impact the health and safety of participants in research studies.
Emphasizing the importance of accurate and complete specifications for reusing software in safety-critical projects.
Handling Missing Demographic Data
Importance of consulting specifications for program development.
Ethical and business obligations to ensure completeness of specifications.
Recognition of the responsibility to produce a program that aligns with specifications.
Responsibility in Software Reuse
Reiterating the responsibility of professionals to review and ensure software meets the standards of new projects.
Acknowledging the need for comprehensive specifications to avoid overlooking critical aspects during reuse.
Stressing the importance of personal accountability in contributing to the success or failure of a project.
9.3.7 Schedule Pressures 418
Patient Interests vs. Company Responsibility
Balancing the interests of patients benefiting from on-time delivery and those at risk.
Ethical obligations to ensure the machine's safety through proper testing.
The distinction between improving medical treatment and ethical responsibilities.
Ethical Constraints and Responsibility to the Company
Recognizing the ethical constraint of avoiding unreasonable risk of harm.
Weighing short-term effects of delay against the risks of a malfunction.
Ethical responsibility to prioritize safety over profits (SE Code 1.02).
Weighting Arguments and Avoiding Rationalization
The importance of careful consideration of risks and costs.
Resisting the temptation to prioritize short-term effects over longer-term risks.
Ethical obligations to delay delivery and complete testing.
Product Release Pressures in a Startup
Transitioning to a scenario of a small startup company developing an innovative product.
Increased workload, target release date, and skipping beta testing.
The programmer's dilemma and ethical considerations.
Human Nature and Decision-Making
Short-term and long-term effects on decision-making.
Rationalization and the temptation to prioritize short-term gains.
The role of experience, knowledge, and courage in ethical decision-making.
Protesting an Unsound Decision
Considerations on whether the programmer can protest.
The potential impact of speaking up on the success of the product.
Real-life examples highlighting the importance of respectful, thoughtful communication.
Stakeholders and Impact of Decision
Patients as primary stakeholders, potential harm, and benefits of on-time delivery.
Hospitals and clinics as customers, financial losses, and expectations.
Impact on the project manager, company reputation, and financial consequences.
Outcome of Ethical Decision-Making
Positive outcomes of responsible communication with the owner in the startup scenario.
Real-life cases demonstrating the impact of professional responsibility on career development.
Encouragement for professionals to apply knowledge and skills to avoid bad decisions.
Safety-Critical Application and Testing Pressures
Overview of the computer-controlled device for treating cancerous tumors.
Project delays leading to pressure on testing schedules.
The central issue of safety and the ethical dilemma faced by the project manager.
Importance of Respectful and Well-Prepared Communication
Emphasizing the significance of respectful and thoughtful communication.
Instances where reasoned explanations lead to positive outcomes.
Encouraging professionals to recognize their responsibilities in applying knowledge to prevent bad decisions.
9.3.8 Software License Violation 421
Actions Based on Agreement Responsibility
Responsibility associated with representing the company in the license agreement.
The importance of honoring agreements made on behalf of the company.
Legal and professional risks associated with not addressing the violation.
Protection Measures for Individuals
Options for individuals not directly responsible for the license agreement.
Reporting the violation or considering quitting to protect personal interests.
Legal and ethical implications of having one's name on the license.
Ethical Acceptability of Giving Up
Evaluation of whether giving up is ethically acceptable.
Consideration of the person who signed the license agreement.
Responsibility for the software and potential legal risks.
Potential consequences of being a scapegoat in unethical situations.
Ethical Codes and Guidelines
Reference to Sections 2.02, 6.13, and 7.01 of the SE Code.
Consideration of guidelines from 1.5 and 2.6 of the ACM Code.
Suggestions and implications regarding ethical behavior in such situations.
Options for Further Action
Possible actions when the supervisor and higher-level people show no concern.
Giving up as an option and ethical considerations.
Reporting the violation to the software vendor and potential outcomes.
Consideration of quitting the job as a response to inaction.
Observing a Wrong and Ethical Responsibilities
Assessment of the individual's role in observing and reporting the violation.
Examination of ethical responsibilities as outlined in SE Code and ACM Code.
The significance of taking appropriate action beyond mere observation.
Informing Supervisor and Lack of Action
Initial step of informing the supervisor about the license violation.
Scenario where the supervisor is unwilling to take any corrective action.
Ethical responsibility to address and rectify the violation
Professional Integrity and Reporting Violations
Upholding professional integrity in the face of ethical dilemmas.
The role of reporting violations to maintain ethical standards.
Balancing individual responsibility with broader ethical considerations.
Software License Violation Situation
Company's license for a computer program for 25 machines.
Discovery of the program copied onto 80 computers.
Ethical dilemma regarding the violation of the license agreement.
9.3.9 Going Public 422
Going Outside the Company
Options of going to the customer, news media, or a government agency.
Acknowledgment of personal risk, potential job loss, and ethical consequences.
Evaluating the external impact of the potential flaw on the broader community.
Risk Assessment and Expertise
Consideration of personal expertise in assessing the risk.
Seeking advice and discussion with other professionals.
Balancing technical knowledge with the ethical responsibility to the public.
Dilemma if No Internal Action is Taken
Ethical dilemma when internal authorities don't investigate concerns.
Consideration of personal risk and potential harm to the company.
Balancing personal values with organizational goals and objectives.
Ethical Obligation to Address a Real Flaw
Understanding the role in the project and the obligation to address real flaws.
Acknowledgment of the impact on personal integrity and professional responsibility.
Recognizing that professional ethics extend beyond contractual obligations.
Escalating Concerns within the Company
Going to someone higher up if the project manager doesn't address the issue.
Seeking attention from individuals with authority within the organization.
Emphasizing the importance of hierarchical communication for issue resolution.
SE Code 2.05 - Confidentiality Agreement
Recognition of situations where violating a confidentiality agreement may be necessary.
Balancing ethical considerations with obligations to the project and the team.
Evaluating the broader ethical implications of maintaining confidentiality.
Internal Whistleblowing
Voicing concerns internally to protect the company and the public.
Positive impact on preventing the release of a dangerous product.
Encouraging a culture of responsibility and accountability within the team.
Historical Case Example - BART Engineers
Reference to the case of BART engineers and concerns about train control software.
Firing of engineers, subsequent crashes, public investigations, and safety recommendations.
Learning from historical examples to inform present ethical decisions.
Ethical Obligation to Address Concerns
Acknowledgment of ethical responsibility (SE Code 1.04; ACM Code 1.2, 2.5).
Obligation to discuss concerns with the project manager.
Recognizing the impact of potential flaws on public safety.
Importance of Internal Resolution
Quoting the importance of correcting issues within the organization before extreme measures.
Practical and ethical reasons for exhausting internal possibilities.
Fostering an environment where internal concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Computer-Controlled Crash-Avoidance System
Working on a team developing crash-avoidance system for automobiles.
Concerns about a potential flaw that could endanger people.
Cutting-edge technology involved in creating a safer driving experience.
Maintaining a Record of Attempts
The significance of keeping a complete and accurate record of attempts to address concerns.
Protection for individuals behaving responsibly and prevention of baseless accusations.
Emphasizing the role of documentation in maintaining accountability and transparency.
9.3.10 Release of Personal Information 423
Reporting the Incident
Reporting the incident can lead to capturing individuals involved in illegal activities.
Protection for yourself and other innocent employees if the sale of records is discovered later.
Ethical merit in taking actions to protect innocent individuals, even if not explicitly obligatory.
Scenario Variation - Another Employee Selling Records
Knowing another employee is selling personal records adds a layer of complexity.
Options include doing nothing, talking to the employee, reporting to the supervisor, or reporting to law enforcement.
Direct involvement is absent, but awareness of illegal activity strengthens the argument for taking action (SE Code 6.13 and 7.01).
Ethical Prohibition and Obligation
Selling records is ethically prohibited (ACM Code: 1.2, 1.3, 1.7, 2.6; SE Code: 2.03, 2.05, 2.09, 4.04, 6.05, 6.06).
Refusing without reporting may violate company policies or legal requirements (SE Code 6.06 and ACM Code 2.3).
Ethical obligation to report potential illegal activities to prevent harm to victims and innocent employees.
Ethical Obligation to Take Action
No direct involvement doesn't negate the ethical responsibility to report known illegal activities.
Distinction between ethical merit and strict ethical obligation in preventing harm.
Strengthened argument for reporting due to the awareness of a sale of confidential information.
Unauthorized Request for Records
Stakeholders involved: yourself, person seeking records, person whose records are requested, all individuals with personal information held by the company, and your employer.
Alternative actions: Sell the records, refuse without reporting, refuse and report to supervisor, refuse and report to the police, contact the person whose information is sought, or agree to sell and cooperate with the police.
Ethical considerations: Selling records violates confidentiality, legal obligations, and can cause serious harm to the victim. Reporting the incident is ethically responsible.
Consideration of Ethical Merit
Acting to prevent a wrong is ethically admirable, even if not strictly obligatory.
Being a good neighbor, employee, or citizen involves taking actions to prevent harm.
Ethical considerations extend beyond strict obligations to promote a positive and responsible environment.
9.3.11 Conflict of Interest 424
Handling Unbiased Evaluation
Ethical preparedness to handle situations where another bid is superior to NetWorkx's.
Professional obligation to provide honest, impartial advice despite personal connections.
Transparency in communication: Openly communicating with the client about potential biases or conflicts.
Consequences of Disclosing the Conflict
Immediate loss of the consulting job.
Potential long-term benefits from CyberStuff valuing honesty.
Future business opportunities resulting from a reputation for transparency.
Affected Parties and Consequences
Potential benefits of getting the consulting job.
Potential benefits for NetWorkx if recommended.
Risks to your reputation for honesty if the conflict is discovered later.
The impact on NetWorkx's reputation, even if there's no actual bias.
Likelihood of Discovery
Evaluation of potential consequences if the connection is unlikely to be discovered.
Responsibilities as a professional consultant to provide unbiased advice.
Implicit assumption that personal interests do not influence recommendations.
Two Immediate Reactions
Profit versus honesty perspective.
Objectivity and fairness perspective.
Ethical debate on whether to disclose the connection.
Client's Decision on Impartiality
Ethical obligation to inform CyberStuff of the conflict of interest (SE Code 4.03 and 4.05, ACM Code 2.5).
Decision about impartiality should be made by the client, not the consultant.
Acknowledging the potential for unintentional bias and the importance of client awareness.
Conflict of Interest in Consulting Business
Stakeholders involved: CyberStuff company, yourself, your spouse, NetWorkx (your spouse's company), other bidding companies, and future customers of CyberStuff.
Ethical considerations: Balancing profits versus honesty, potential impact on reputations, the obligation to disclose conflicts of interest.
Legal implications: Understanding potential legal consequences related to nondisclosure and ethical violations.
Ethical Principles and Codes
Reference to SE Code Principle 4 and ACM Code 2.5.
Emphasizing the significance of honesty, transparency, and client awareness in consulting ethics.
Continuous learning and adherence: Recognizing the evolving nature of ethical standards and committing to staying informed and compliant.
9.3.12 Kickbacks and Disclosure 426
Comparison with Other Industries
Draw parallels with other industries (e.g., credit cards) where kickbacks are disclosed and may be deemed acceptable.
Consider the ethical implications of financial benefits and their potential impact on decision-making.
Explore arguments against such arrangements, emphasizing the risk of decisions not aligning with students' best interests.
Lesson from Student Loan Business
Reflect on the negative consequences observed in the student loan business due to similar practices.
Understand the potential harm to the university's reputation and the importance of learning from past ethical lapses.
Consider the need for updated ethical guidelines in response to evolving ethical challenges.
Transparency and Honest Recommendations
Highlight the importance of transparency in recommendations, especially when financial benefits are involved.
Disclose any potential conflicts of interest to maintain the integrity of recommendations.
Address the presumption of impartiality in university recommendations and the need for clear disclosure.
Obligation to Students
Reinforce the idea that the university's primary obligation is to act in the best interests of the students.
Examine whether the benefits received by the administrator and the university might compromise this obligation.
Highlight the ethical responsibility to prioritize student welfare in all decisions and recommendations.
Impartiality and Student Benefit
Evaluate who benefits and who may be adversely affected by the arrangement with the software company.
Consider the impact on students and their choices in selecting security software.
The university's primary obligation is to the students, and recommendations should prioritize their best interests.
Ethical Codes and Principles
Reference relevant ethical codes such as SE Code 6.05, 6.06, 1.06, 4.03, and 4.04.
Emphasize the importance of ethical principles in guiding professional conduct.
Encourage continuous adherence to ethical guidelines to maintain professional integrity.
Gifts from Vendors and University Policy
Check if the university has a policy on accepting gifts from vendors.
Adherence to policy is crucial to maintain ethical standards and avoid legal sanctions.
Violating the policy may lead to negative publicity and harm the university's reputation.
9.3.14 Artificial Intelligence and Sentencing Criminals 427
Ordering of Cases
Discuss the challenge of determining the order in which the system displays similar cases.
Highlight the importance of including perspectives from both prosecutors and defense lawyers in the design process.
Consider alternative ordering criteria such as date, length of sentence, or a nuanced evaluation of similarity.
Thorough Decision-Making
Emphasize the importance of judges thoroughly reviewing the system's output in sentencing decisions.
Discuss potential challenges, such as fatigue or over-reliance on computer-generated results, and the need for careful consideration.
Reference examples from other domains, like academic research and school districts, to illustrate the impact of decision-making habits.
Involvement of Experts
Stress the necessity of involving judges and lawyers in the design process to choose criteria and strategies for selecting similar cases.
Acknowledge the expertise and experience of legal professionals in shaping the system's recommendations.
Advocate for a collaborative approach to design with a diverse group of experts.
System Maintenance and Updates
Highlight the ongoing responsibility of maintaining and updating the AI sentencing system.
Discuss considerations for handling new cases, changes in sentencing laws, and the weighting of cases decided under old laws.
Emphasize the ethical obligation to ensure the system remains relevant, accurate, and compliant with legal standards.
System's Role
Discuss the system's role in analyzing characteristics of crimes and criminals to find similar cases.
Explore the decision between providing a recommended sentence or displaying similar cases for the judge's review.
Recognize the importance of complying with sentencing requirements specified in laws.
AI Recommendations Impact
Explore the potential consequences of the AI system providing a specific sentencing recommendation.
Discuss concerns about judges being influenced or decisions being perceived as less reliant on human judgment.
Highlight the importance of maintaining the quality of decisions over potential drops in employment for judges.
AI in Sentencing Decisions
Introduce the ethical dilemma of developing an AI program for sentencing decisions in criminal cases.
Highlight the unique aspects of human judgment, creativity, and legal considerations that AI may struggle to replicate.
Emphasize the need for expertise and user involvement in the design process.
Programmer's Dilemma
Present the programmer's dilemma when asked to quickly modify the program for a new category of crime.
Reference SE Code 3.15, emphasizing the importance of treating software maintenance with the same professionalism as new development.
Stress the need for thorough planning, consultation with legal experts, and testing for any modifications or upgrades.
9.3.15 A Gracious Host 430
Separate Account for Niece
Suggest the creation of a separate account on the computer for the niece to ensure a clear separation of personal and work-related files.
Highlight the importance of restricting access to sensitive information based on user permissions.
Recognize the value of implementing practical solutions to mitigate potential security risks.
Responsibility of Niece
Acknowledge the responsibility of the niece and her good intentions.
Recognize that even responsible individuals may unknowingly pose risks when using a computer connected to a company network.
Emphasize the shared responsibility of users in maintaining a secure computing environment.
Password Protection
Discuss the importance of password protection for personal files and accounts, especially those related to work.
Emphasize the need to secure sensitive information to prevent unintended access, even within a family context.
Recognize the role of password protection in safeguarding confidential data.
Unintentional Harm
Discuss the potential for unintentional harm, such as downloading viruses or engaging in activities that could compromise the security of the computer and company network.
Highlight the importance of raising awareness about potential risks, even with responsible users.
Recognize the need for ongoing education on cybersecurity to prevent inadvertent security breaches.
Logged-in Company System
Stress the importance of logging out of the company system before allowing someone else, even a family member, to use the computer.
Highlight the risk of unauthorized access to company files and data if the administrator remains logged in during personal computer use.
Acknowledge the potential consequences of overlooking basic security practices.
Sensitive Information on Company Network
Emphasize the presence of sensitive information on the company network, including employee records, customer data, and project details.
Discuss the potential consequences of unauthorized access, data leaks, or security breaches affecting the company's finances and plans.
Recognize the ethical obligation to protect sensitive information and uphold the trust placed in the administrator's role.
Firewall and Antivirus
Consider the possibility of having an excellent firewall and antivirus software as potential mitigating factors.
Discuss the importance of relying on security measures to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or potential threats.
Recognize that a secure computing environment contributes to the overall integrity of the network.
Downtime Costs
Discuss the potential financial costs associated with downtime resulting from a virus or similar problem.
Emphasize the need for preventing security incidents to avoid disruption to the company's operations and potential financial losses.
Recognize the broader impact of security lapses on the overall business continuity and reputation.
Security Considerations
Highlight the potential ethical problem arising from not considering security implications when granting access to your computer.
Emphasize the importance of maintaining security protocols, especially when dealing with a home computer connected to a company network.
Recognize the responsibility to uphold ethical standards even in informal family situations.
Family and Work Applications
Stress the inherent risks of mixing family and work applications on the same computer.
Emphasize the need for vigilance and awareness to maintain a secure computing environment in both personal and professional contexts.
Recognize the importance of setting clear boundaries between personal and professional use of computing resources.
Gracious Hosting
Acknowledge the act of being a gracious host by allowing your niece to use your computer for checking her email.
Recognize the intention to be helpful and accommodating in a family setting.
Promote a positive family environment by providing support and assistance.
Learned Lessons - Mortgage Company Incident
Reference the real-world incident involving a mortgage company employee's family member and the inadvertent leakage of sensitive information.
Use the incident as a cautionary example to highlight the importance of being alert to potential risks and the consequences of not maintaining a vigilant approach to security.
Acknowledge the continuous learning process in adapting and improving security measures based on real-world incidents and lessons learned.
9.3.13 A Test Plan 427
Environmental Factors
Identify specific environmental factors that must be considered in testing, such as heat, water, soot, and varied terrains.
Discuss the potential impact of these environmental conditions on the system's performance and reliability.
Stress the importance of testing the system's resilience to adverse conditions that firefighters may encounter.
Usability Challenges
Highlight critical usability challenges, including the ability to manipulate controls with heavy gloves.
Emphasize the importance of controls being clear and easy to use in poor light conditions, reflecting the real-world scenarios firefighters face.
Discuss the potential consequences of usability issues in emergency situations.
User Expertise and Bias
Acknowledge that programmers, being experienced users, may have biases and expectations that differ from those of firefighters.
Recognize the limitations of relying solely on the programmers to test the system's effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Advocate for a diverse testing team that includes actual end-users to provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
Signal Interference and Structural Issues
Address concerns about signal interference, especially in building structures.
Discuss potential risks associated with signal disruptions and the impact on communication during firefighting operations.
Emphasize the importance of testing to ensure that the system functions reliably in various structural environments.
Realism in Testing
Emphasize the need for testing in environments that closely resemble actual firefighting situations.
Discuss the importance of testing the system with real firefighters, considering the unique challenges they face.
Stress the difference between the programmers' expectations and those of the end-users (firefighters).
Case Example - New York City Fire Commissioner
Reference the real-world case of the New York City Fire Commissioner's decision to halt the use of a digital communications system.
Discuss the reported problems during simulation tests and the commissioner's acknowledgment of insufficient field testing.
Use the case as a cautionary example of the consequences of inadequate testing in critical applications.
Insufficient Test Plan
Identify the ethical issue of an insufficient test plan for a critical communications system.
Recognize the potential risks and consequences of inadequate testing in an application where lives could be at risk.
Highlight the responsibility to ensure robust testing in scenarios that accurately simulate real-life conditions for firefighters.
Continuous Improvement in Testing Practices
Advocate for continuous improvement in testing practices, particularly in safety-critical applications.
Emphasize the importance of learning from past incidents, like the one in New York City, to enhance testing methodologies.
Encourage a culture of thorough and realistic testing to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of critical systems.