Ethical Impacts Flashcards

All 10 cards in this deck

What is meant by an ethical issue in computing?

A moral concern about how computers are used: whether something is right or fair for the people affected, e.g. keeping the public safe or treating every user fairly.

Give one ethical issue raised by autonomous vehicles.

Any one of: whether they are safe for passengers, other road users and pedestrians; how the car's software should decide what to do when a crash can't be avoided; whether we can trust its decisions; drivers (e.g. taxi drivers) losing their jobs.

What is meant by the digital divide?

The gap between people who have access to digital technology and the internet and those who do not.

Give three causes of the digital divide.

Cost: some people can't afford devices or a broadband contract. Location: coverage in rural areas is often weaker than in towns and cities. Skills: some people were never shown how to use technology, so they lack confidence with it.

What is internet censorship?

Deliberately controlling or restricting what information people are able to access online.

Give one benefit of collecting health data with wearable devices.

Any one of: users can track their own health and set fitness goals; early signs of a health problem can be spotted and treated; large pools of data can help medical research.

Give one issue raised by computer-based implants, such as a pacemaker.

Any one of: the implant could be hacked, putting the person's health or life at risk; it may collect and send medical data the person can't control; it is costly, so not everyone who needs one can have one.

Give one ethical issue raised by mobile technologies such as smartphones.

Any one of: employers may expect staff to answer calls and emails at any hour, so work intrudes on home life and causes stress; people may spend less time talking face to face; constant messaging can make cyberbullying harder to escape.

Give one argument for internet censorship.

Any one of: it can stop children reaching harmful or unsuitable websites; it can block illegal content, or material that promotes crime or terrorism.

Give one argument against internet censorship.

Any one of: it limits people's freedom to find information and express views; a government could misuse it to hide criticism of itself or silence opponents; it is hard to agree who should decide what is blocked.