Moral Issues in Computing

Moral Issues in Computing

My classification of the moral issues in computing is based on the ethical absolutism of Christian principles.


Software Piracy

MB. Software piracy is stealing and is a breach of agreement not to reproduce software without the owner’s permission.


Pornography on the Net

MB. Various things motivate pornography on the Net and these may include the desire to earn money at the cost of other people’s righteousness. It is a provocation for others to sin. The people who are in the pornographic materials are not dressing responsibly.


Creation of Worms and Computer Viruses

MB. These software get into the proper function of computer and computer-related systems causing problems to thy neighbor.


Infringement of Intellectual Property Rights (of Computer Programmers)

MB. Intellectual property is of course someone’s property and infringing on it is taking what does not belong to you. It is stealing.


Violation of Privacy (in Communications via Internet)

MB. This moral issue is somewhat related to the case of King David violating the privacy of Bathsheba.


Plagiarism

MB. This is another case of stealing.


Spamming

MB. This is related to the creation of computer worms and viruses. Spamming makes improper use of people’s mail inboxes.


Hacking

MB. As initiated by Anuerin Diaz, it is cracking which is the maliciously intended activity. It is assumed that ‘Hacking’ in this context actually refers to cracking. Cracking involves various malicious activities such as causing failures in people’s systems and stealing data.


Computer Abuse

MB. Any form of abuse means wrong use. Alcohol intake is not bad in itself; alcohol was involved in the Last Supper. It is the excessive intake of alcohol that is frowned upon. Any form of abuse is MB, and this includes computer abuse.


Computer Crimes in General

MB. In general, computer crimes are not in the best interests of loving thy neighbor and loving God above all.