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Ethical and Social Issues in ICT

Computer ethics is a set of moral principles or code of conducts that regulate the use of computers systematically without harming others.

Commandments of computer ethics​

  • Do not use a computer to harm other people.
  • Do not use a computer to publish fake information.
  • Do not search the file or record of other people.
  • Do not destroy or delete the records of other people.
  • Do not use a computer to steal someone's privacy.
  • Do not interfere with other people's computer work.
  • Do not snoop around in other people's files.
  • Do not use or copy software for which you have not paid.
  • Do not use other people's computer resources without authorization.

Cyber Ethics is a code of behavior for using the Internet. Cyber ethics deals with Privacy, Property, Security, Accuracy, Accessibility, Censorship and Filtering.

Digital Citizenship​

Digital citizenship is the responsibilities and duties of a digital citizen in a digital community.

  • Digital citizen is a person who has skills and knowledge to use digital technology to participate in society, commiunicate with others, and create and consume digital content.

Digital Footprint​

Digital footprint is the recording of interaction with the digital world. i.e. trails created when using online technology.

  • Active Digital footprints are traces that are created intentionally. Eg. when creating accounts, posting, accepting cookies, etc.

  • Passive Digital footprints are those tracees which are created without knowledge of a user. Eg. your likes, comments, shares etc are used to advertise.

  • Protecting Digital footprint:

    • Avoid sharing too much.
    • Use privacy settings.
    • Keep track of all online accounts are delete unused ones.
    • Google yourself to see your information and reputation.
    • Keep track of passwords and don't share them.

You can develop a positive footprint by keeping personal information to a limited, being respectful, adding positive aspects of your life online.

Social Media​

Social media refers to website and application that enable people to interact with each other by sharing contents quickly and efficiently on the internet.

  • Examples:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • WhatsApp
    • YouTube
    • Viber etc.

  • Advantages:

    • Connectivity
    • Education
    • Information and Updates
    • Business Promotion
    • Awareness
    • Building Communities

  • Threats or Risks:

    • Hacking
    • Fake Accounts
    • Spam and Malware attack
    • Cyber-bullying
    • Fake news

  • Disadvantages:

    • Addiction
    • Health issues(mental, physical)
    • Reputatation
    • Relationship issues

  • Staying safe on social media:

    • Use strong passwords, change regularly and don't share.
    • Set up two-factor authentication whenever possible.
    • Use appropriate and respectful language.
    • Don't share personal information.
    • Log out after use.

Information Technology Policy 2072 (ICT Policy 2072)​

Policy designed to guide and mainstream the use of ICTs in all sectors of Nepal.

  • Goal:
    • Enhance overall ICT readiness.
    • Increase digital literacy
    • Broadband and interneet access to all people
    • E-Procurement promotion.

Electronic Transaction Act(ETA)​

ETA deals with issues related to cybercrime and also help in making and implementing laws over cybercrime.

  • This is cyber law of Nepal. House of Representative approved it on 2063 Mangsir 18.

  • Offenses relating to cyber law:

    • piracy, destruction or alteration of source code
    • unauthorized access
    • damage to any computer and information system
    • publication of illegal materials in electronic form
    • disclosing confidential
    • informing false statement
    • submission or display of false license or certificates etc.

Digital Signature is the security mechanism used on the internet for digital data processing and their transaction through electronic media.

Copyright and trademark issues are handled by Intellectual Property law.

Data Protection and Privacy law deals with the protection of data or information of people.