Computers, the law and ethics

Lesson Objective:Understand some of the legal & ethical issues in developing computer systems

Learning Outcome:Know key issues raised by: Data Protection Act Copyright, Designs and Patents Act Health and Safety Act

Keywords: DPA, Data subject, Copyright , ethics, environment

Who does the data protection act apply to...?

If living individuals can be identified, the Data Protection Act applies.

Unless a simple mailing list is being used, the data must be registered with the Office of the Information Commissioner.

All holders of personal information must abide by the data protection principles.

Questions Does the Data Protection act apply to

the school?

Who does the school have to register with?

Mr Fell keeps his Christmas card list on his computer at home. Does the data protection act apply?

Yes

Office of the Information Commissioner

YesYes. He may not have to register with the OIC but he still needs to obey the data protection principles.

More questions

John is researching the height of pygmies in Africa. On this laptop he has collected data about 20 men and their individual heights. Does the data protection act apply? Yes

Yes, as long as a living individual can be identified the data protection act applies.

Data Protection Principles

Shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purposes, and shall not be further processed in any manner incompatible with that purpose(s)

Shall be processed fairly and lawfully

Don’t use the data for illegal activities, even if the people agree!

Say what you need, and don’t use it for anything else.

Data Protection Principles (cont)

Shall be accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date.

Shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive in relation to the purpose or purposes for which they are processed.

Don’t get any more or any less than what you need.

Change it if you need to.

Data Protection Principles (cont)

Personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under this Act.

Processed for any purpose or purposes shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for that purpose or those purposes.

Delete it if you don’t need it.

If the people want to see the data or delete it, do it!

Personal data shall not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European Economic Area, unless that country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection of the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the processing of personal data.

Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data.

Data Protection Principles (cont)

Keep it safe.

Don’t send it somewhere iffy.

How many of those do you remember?Don’t use the data for illegal activities, even if the people agree!Say what you need, and don’t use it for anything else.

Don’t get any more or any less than what you need.Change it if you need to.

Delete it if you don’t need it.

If the people want to see the data or delete it, do it!

Keep it safe.

Don’t send it somewhere iffy.

Copyright, Design and Patents Act

The act covers three main areas

Use of software

Software must have a valid licence on each computer on which it is used.

You cannot buy a single user licence, then install the software on every computer on a network.

Downloading from the internet

Downloaded text or images must be acknowledged, and if applicable permission must be obtained to use it.

Note: Fair use for educational purposes is permissible!

Copying programs

Programs used at a place of work cannot be copied and used at home.

What you have permission to use at work does not cover use at home unless stated in the licence.

Question …

What are the three main areas covered by the copyright, design and patents act?

Health and safety at work

The work chair

This should have a seat that is adjustable in height, with a seat back adjustable in height and tilt.

A footrest should be available.

Health and safety at work

The display screen

This should: display well-defined characters of adequate size and spacing

have a stable image have easily adjustable brightness and contrast tilt and swivel easily to suit the user be free from glare and reflections

use a separate base for the screen, or an adjustable table.

Health and safety at workThe keyboardThis should:be tiltable and separate from the screen to allow the user to adopt a comfortable working position

have a space in front to provide support for the hands or arms of the user

have a matt surface

have clearly legible symbols on the keys.

Ethical Considerations...

• Is it fair that some people cannot afford computers?

• Are countries like India being exploited as a source of cheap labour for call centres and for programming?

• Should companies use local programmers and call centres?

• Does the system design disadvantage some part of the community?

• Does the system design promote accessibility for all?

Environmental Considerations...

• Does a computer system mean that people can work from home and therefore drive less?

• Does a computer system mean more manufacturing?

• Is working at home more environmentally friendly than everyone working in a big office, in terms of heating and lighting?

• Do computer-managed engines work more efficiently? Less pollution and use less fuel?