The Ten

Commandments of
Computer Ethics
 The 1st Commandment

• Thou shalt not use a computer to harm

other people.
• In the age of information and/or the digital
age, more and more personal information
is available online. From financial to
personal, information online is the
property of the individual and entities that
they share it with and no others.
 The 2nd Commandment

• Thou shalt not interfere with other

people's computer work.
• With greater and higher speed access
the user is to benefit and incorporate
these advances in technology for the
betterment of their work and for the
collaboration with others.
 The 3rd Commandment

• Thou shalt not snoop around in

other people's computer files.
• With the increase in speed and access
it is left to the user to continue their
use in an ethical manner.
 The 4th Commandment

• Thou shalt not use a computer to

steal.
• With other commandments and with
the advancement of technologies it is
to the user to utilize equipment in a
manner in which benefits the Web
community.
 The 5th Commandment

• Thou shalt not use a computer to bear

false witness.
• Computers, cell phones, chat rooms,
instant messaging, blogs, wikis…. Daily
there are multiple means and options to
post information for the global community
to see. It is the responsibility of the user to
utilize these powerful tools to benefit this
global community.
 The 6th Commandment

• Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary

software for which you have not paid.
• For those looking for “free” software and
applications, Web applications provide
users with “free” and “open” applications
which users can utilize in an ethical manner
and at no cost.
 The 7th Commandment
• Thou shalt not use other people's
computer resources without
authorization or proper compensation.
• With the drop of costs and the increase in
capabilities computer access in more
common than ever. Even with an
atmosphere of openness users must
remember to simply ask permission when
using equipment.
 The 8th Commandment

• Thou shalt not appropriate other

people's intellectual output.
• The Creative Commons community
allows users and creators of
information quick and easy use in
identifying the usability of their work.
 The 9th Commandment

• Thou shalt think about the social

consequences of the program you are
writing or the system you are
designing other people.
• As users and programmers collaborate
from around the world it is with the
intentions of betterment of the world that
they continue their work.
 The 10th Commandment

• Thou shalt always use a computer in

ways that ensure consideration and
respect for your fellow humans.
• Computers are powerful tools that can
and will be used to share knowledge
with the global community. It is left to
the user to consider their purpose.