Ethical Standards and Codes of Conduct

What are Ethical standards?

Ethical standards are principles or guidelines that govern morally acceptable

behavior in a particular context or profession. They help ensure fairness,
integrity, honesty, and respect in decision-making and interactions. Adhering
to ethical standards is crucial for maintaining trust, credibility, and societal
well-being.

A code of conduct is a statement of collective wisdom of the members of the

profession that expresses experience and consensus of many members. The
code itself has several roles:

• Serve the interests of the Public.

• Protects the Public.

• Promotes worthy practices.

• Statement of shared commitment of members of the profession.

• Statement of agreed values.

• Statement of agreed rules.

• Sensitizes members to important issues.

• Mechanism for educating for those entering the profession, companies and
clients.

The code also ensures collective responsibility, so that various parties do not
only think of individuals in the profession but rather a collective unit of the
profession. If a profession speaks out on an issue, it is more effective as a
group. Examples of this are issues such as protection of whistle blowers and
gender bias. what is right and what is wrong.

CODE OF ETHICS IN COMPUTING

 A) ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) has established a

comprehensive code of ethics that outlines principles and guidelines for
computing professionals. It covers areas such as honesty, confidentiality,
professional competence, and societal implications of computing
technologies.
Computing professionals’ actions change the world. To act responsibly, they
should reflect upon the wider impacts of their work, consistently supporting
the public good. The Code is designed to inspire and guide the ethical
conduct of all computing professionals, including current and aspiring
practitioners, instructors, students, influencers, and anyone who uses
computing technology in an impactful way.

1. GENERAL ETHICAL PRINCIPLES.

A computing professional should...

1.1 Contribute to society and to human well-being, acknowledging that all

people are stakeholders in computing.

1.2 Avoid harm.

1.3 Be honest and trustworthy.

1.4 Be fair and take action not to discriminate.

1.5 Respect the work required to produce new ideas, inventions, creative
works, and computing artifacts.

1.6 Respect privacy.

1.7 Honor confidentiality.

2. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES.

A computing professional should...

2.1 Strive to achieve high quality in both the processes and products of
professional work.
2.2 Maintain high standards of professional competence, conduct, and
ethical practice.

2.3 Know and respect existing rules pertaining to professional work.

2.4 Accept and provide appropriate professional review.

2.5 Give comprehensive and thorough evaluations of computer systems

and their impacts, including analysis of possible risks.

2.6 Perform work only in areas of competence.

2.7 Foster public awareness and understanding of computing, related

technologies, and their consequences.

2.8 Access computing and communication resources only when authorized

or when compelled by the public good.

2.9 Design and implement systems that are robustly and usably secure.

3. PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES.

A computing professional, especially one acting as a leader, should...

3.1 Ensure that the public good is the central concern during all
professional computing work.

3.2 Articulate, encourage acceptance of, and evaluate fulfillment of social

responsibilities by members of the organization or group.

3.3 Manage personnel and resources to enhance the quality of working

life.

3.4 Articulate, apply, and support policies and processes that reflect the
principles of the Code.

3.5 Create opportunities for members of the organization or group to grow

as professionals.

3.6 Use care when modifying or retiring systems.

3.7 Recognize and take special care of systems that become integrated
into the infrastructure of society.

4. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE.

A computing professional should...

4.1 Uphold, promote, and respect the principles of the Code.

4.2 Treat violations of the Code as inconsistent with membership in the

ACM.

B) ACM/IEEE Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional

Practice

Computers have a central and growing role in commerce, industry,

government, medicine, education, entertainment and society at large.
Software engineers are those who contribute by direct participation or by
teaching, to the analysis, specification, design, development, certification,
maintenance and testing of software systems. Because of their roles in
developing software systems, software engineers have significant
opportunities to do good or cause harm, to enable others to do good or
cause harm, or to influence others to do good or cause harm. To ensure, as
much as possible, that their efforts will be used for good, software engineers
must commit themselves to making software engineering a beneficial and
respected profession. In accordance with that commitment, software
engineers shall adhere to the following Code of Ethics and Professional
Practice:

PRINCIPLES

Principle 1: PUBLIC

Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest. In

particular, software engineers shall, as appropriate:

1.01. Accept full responsibility for their own work.

1.02. Moderate the interests of the software engineer, the employer, the
client and the users with the public good.

1.03. Approve software only if they have a well-founded belief that it is safe,
meets specifications, passes appropriate tests, and does not diminish quality
of life, diminish privacy or harm the environment. The ultimate effect of the
work should be to the public good.

1.04. Disclose to appropriate persons or authorities any actual or potential

danger to the user, the public, or the environment, that they reasonably
believe to be associated with software or related documents.

1.05. Cooperate in efforts to address matters of grave public concern caused

by software, its installation, maintenance, support or documentation.

1.06. Be fair and avoid deception in all statements, particularly public ones,
concerning software or related documents, methods and tools.

1.07. Consider issues of physical disabilities, allocation of resources,

economic disadvantage and other factors that can diminish access to the
benefits of software.

1.08. Be encouraged to volunteer professional skills to good causes and

contribute to public education concerning the discipline.

Principle 2: CLIENT AND EMPLOYER

Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their
client and employer, consistent with the public interest. In particular,
software engineers shall, as appropriate:

2.01. Provide service in their areas of competence, being honest and

forthright about any limitations of their experience and education.

2.02. Not knowingly use software that is obtained or retained either illegally
or unethically.
2.03. Use the property of a client or employer only in ways properly
authorized, and with the client’s or employer’s knowledge and consent.

2.04. Ensure that any document upon which they rely has been approved,
when required, by someone authorized to approve it.

2.05. Keep private any confidential information gained in their professional

work, where such confidentiality is consistent with the public interest and
consistent with the law.

2.06. Identify, document, collect evidence and report to the client or the
employer promptly if, in their opinion, a project is likely to fail, to prove too
expensive, to violate intellectual property law, or otherwise to be
problematic.

2.07. Identify, document, and report significant issues of social concern, of

which they are aware, in software or related documents, to the employer or
the client.

2.08. Accept no outside work detrimental to the work they perform for their
primary employer.

2.09. Promote no interest adverse to their employer or client, unless a higher

ethical concern is being compromised; in that case, inform the employer or
another appropriate authority of the ethical concern.

Principle 3: PRODUCT

Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related modifications
meet the highest professional standards possible. In particular, software
engineers shall, as appropriate:

3.01. Strive for high quality, acceptable cost and a reasonable schedule,
ensuring significant tradeoffs are clear to and accepted by the employer and
the client, and are available for consideration by the user and the public.
3.02. Ensure proper and achievable goals and objectives for any project on
which they work or propose.

3.03. Identify, define and address ethical, economic, cultural, legal and
environmental issues related to work projects.

3.04. Ensure that they are qualified for any project on which they work or
propose to work by an appropriate combination of education and training,
and experience.

3.05. Ensure an appropriate method is used for any project on which they
work or propose to work.

3.06. Work to follow professional standards, when available, that are most
appropriate for the task at hand, departing from these only when ethically or
technically justified.

3.07. Strive to fully understand the specifications for software on which they
work.

3.08. Ensure that specifications for software on which they work have been
well documented, satisfy the users’ requirements and have the appropriate
approvals.

3.09. Ensure realistic quantitative estimates of cost, scheduling, personnel,

quality and outcomes on any project on which they work or propose to work
and provide an uncertainty assessment of these estimates.

3.10. Ensure adequate testing, debugging, and review of software and

related documents on which they work.

3.11. Ensure adequate documentation, including significant problems

discovered and solutions adopted, for any project on which they work.

3.12. Work to develop software and related documents that respect the
privacy of those who will be affected by that software.
3.13. Be careful to use only accurate data derived by ethical and lawful
means, and use it only in ways properly authorized.

3.14. Maintain the integrity of data, being sensitive to outdated or flawed

occurrences.

3.15 Treat all forms of software maintenance with the same professionalism
as new development.

Principle 4: JUDGMENT

Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their

professional judgment. In particular, software engineers shall, as
appropriate:

4.01. Temper all technical judgments by the need to support and maintain
human values.

4.02 Only endorse documents either prepared under their supervision or

within their areas of competence and with which they are in agreement.

4.03. Maintain professional objectivity with respect to any software or related

documents they are asked to evaluate.

4.04. Not engage in deceptive financial practices such as bribery, double

billing, or other improper financial practices.

4.05. Disclose to all concerned parties those conflicts of interest that cannot
reasonably be avoided or escaped.

4.06. Refuse to participate, as members or advisors, in a private,

governmental or professional body concerned with software related issues,
in which they, their employers or their clients have undisclosed potential
conflicts of interest.

Principle 5: MANAGEMENT
Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote
an ethical approach to the management of software development and
maintenance. In particular, those managing or leading software engineers
shall, as appropriate:

5.01 Ensure good management for any project on which they work, including
effective procedures for promotion of quality and reduction of risk.

5.02. Ensure that software engineers are informed of standards before being
held to them.

5.03. Ensure that software engineers know the employer’s policies and
procedures for protecting passwords, files and information that is
confidential to the employer or confidential to others.

5.04. Assign work only after taking into account appropriate contributions of
education and experience tempered with a desire to further that education
and experience.

5.05. Ensure realistic quantitative estimates of cost, scheduling, personnel,

quality and outcomes on any project on which they work or propose to work,
and provide an uncertainty assessment of these estimates.

5.06. Attract potential software engineers only by full and accurate

description of the conditions of employment.

5.07. Offer fair and just remuneration.

5.08. Not unjustly prevent someone from taking a position for which that
person is suitably qualified.

5.09. Ensure that there is a fair agreement concerning ownership of any

software, processes, research, writing, or other intellectual property to which
a software engineer has contributed.

5.10. Provide for due process in hearing charges of violation of an employer’s

policy or of this Code.
5.11. Not ask a software engineer to do anything inconsistent with this Code.

5.12. Not punish anyone for expressing ethical concerns about a project.

Principle 6: PROFESSION

Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the

profession consistent with the public interest. In particular, software
engineers shall, as appropriate:

6.01. Help develop an organizational environment favorable to acting

ethically.

6.02. Promote public knowledge of software engineering.

6.03. Extend software engineering knowledge by appropriate participation in

professional organizations, meetings and publications.

6.04. Support, as members of a profession, other software engineers striving

to follow this Code.

6.05. Not promote their own interest at the expense of the profession, client
or employer.

6.06. Obey all laws governing their work, unless, in exceptional

circumstances, such compliance is inconsistent with the public interest.

6.07. Be accurate in stating the characteristics of software on which they

work, avoiding not only false claims but also claims that might reasonably be
supposed to be speculative, vacuous, deceptive, misleading, or doubtful.

6.08. Take responsibility for detecting, correcting, and reporting errors in

software and associated documents on which they work.

6.09. Ensure that clients, employers, and supervisors know of the software
engineer’s commitment to this Code of ethics, and the subsequent
ramifications of such commitment.
6.10. Avoid associations with businesses and organizations which are in
conflict with this code.

6.11. Recognize that violations of this Code are inconsistent with being a
professional software engineer.

6.12. Express concerns to the people involved when significant violations of

this Code are detected unless this is impossible, counter-productive, or
dangerous.

6.13. Report significant violations of this Code to appropriate authorities

when it is clear that consultation with people involved in these significant
violations is impossible, counter-productive or dangerous.

Principle 7: COLLEAGUES

Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues. In

particular, software engineers shall, as appropriate:

7.01. Encourage colleagues to adhere to this Code.

7.02. Assist colleagues in professional development.

7.03. Credit fully the work of others and refrain from taking undue credit.

7.04. Review the work of others in an objective, candid, and properly-

documented way.

7.05. Give a fair hearing to the opinions, concerns, or complaints of a

colleague.

7.06. Assist colleagues in being fully aware of current standard work

practices including policies and procedures for protecting passwords, files
and other confidential information, and security measures in general.

7.07. Not unfairly intervene in the career of any colleague; however, concern
for the employer, the client or public interest may compel software
engineers, in good faith, to question the competence of a colleague.
7.08. In situations outside of their own areas of competence, call upon the
opinions of other professionals who have competence in that area.

Principle 8: SELF

Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the

practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the
practice of the profession. In particular, software engineers shall continually
endeavor to:

8.01. Further their knowledge of developments in the analysis, specification,

design, development, maintenance and testing of software and related
documents, together with the management of the development process.

8.02. Improve their ability to create safe, reliable, and useful quality software
at reasonable cost and within a reasonable time.

8.03. Improve their ability to produce accurate, informative, and well-written

documentation.

8.04. Improve their understanding of the software and related documents on

which they work and of the environment in which they will be used.

8.05. Improve their knowledge of relevant standards and the law governing
the software and related documents on which they work.

8.06 Improve their knowledge of this Code, its interpretation, and its
application to their work.

8.07 Not give unfair treatment to anyone because of any irrelevant

prejudices.

8.08. Not influence others to undertake any action that involves a breach of
this Code.

8.09. Recognize that personal violations of this Code are inconsistent with
being a professional software engineer.
C) IEEE Code of Ethics

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has a code of

ethics that provides guidance for engineers, including those working in
computing-related fields. It emphasizes the importance of public safety,
honesty, and integrity in professional practice.

D)Ethical Guidelines for AI and Machine Learning

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine

learning technologies, there's a growing emphasis on ethical considerations
in AI development and deployment. Various organizations, including the IEEE
and the AI Ethics Guidelines Global Inventory, have developed guidelines and
frameworks to promote ethical AI practices, addressing issues such as
fairness, transparency, accountability, and societal impact.

E) Data Ethics

The increasing reliance on data-driven technologies, ethical considerations

surrounding data collection, storage, processing, and usage are paramount.
Data ethics principles focus on ensuring privacy, consent, fairness, and
transparency in handling data, particularly sensitive or personal information.

F) Cybersecurity Ethics

Ethical standards in cybersecurity encompass principles such as protecting

user privacy, maintaining the security and integrity of systems and data,
responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities, and avoiding actions that could
harm individuals or organizations through hacking or cyber-attacks.

G) Ethical Considerations in Emerging Technologies:

As new technologies emerge, such as blockchain, quantum computing, and

biotechnology, ethical standards must evolve to address the unique
challenges and implications they pose. Ethical guidelines for these
technologies may focus on issues such as privacy, security, sustainability,
and equitable access.

H) Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

Ethical standards in computing also involve compliance with laws,

regulations, and industry standards governing data protection, intellectual
property rights, consumer rights, and cybersecurity. Adhering to legal and
regulatory requirements is fundamental to ethical practice in computing.

Overall, ethical standards and codes in computing are essential for

promoting responsible and ethical behavior, ensuring the integrity and
societal benefit of technological advancements, and fostering trust and
confidence in the technology sector. They provide guidance for professionals,
researchers, and organizations to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and
make ethical decisions in their work.

Analyzing and interpreting professional codes of conduct.

This involves examining the principles, values, and guidelines outlined in

these documents, as well as understanding their implications for practice
and decision-making within a specific profession or industry. Here's a
structured approach to analyzing and interpreting professional codes of
conduct:

1. Scope and Purpose: Begin by understanding the scope and purpose of

the code of conduct. What profession or industry does it apply to?
What are the objectives of the code? Typically, codes of conduct aim to
promote ethical behavior, integrity, professionalism, and accountability
among practitioners.

2. Key Principles and Values: Identify the key principles and values
articulated in the code of conduct. These may include honesty,
integrity, respect for others, confidentiality, fairness, accountability,
 and professionalism. Pay attention to how these principles are defined
and elaborated upon within the document.

3. Guidelines and Standards: Examine the specific guidelines, standards,

and rules provided in the code of conduct. These may cover various
aspects of professional practice, including interactions with clients or
colleagues, ethical decision-making, conflict resolution, compliance
with laws and regulations, and maintaining professional competence.

4. Application to Practice: Consider how the principles, values, and

guidelines outlined in the code of conduct apply to real-world practice
within the profession or industry. Reflect on scenarios or case studies
where practitioners might need to make ethical decisions or navigate
ethical dilemmas, and assess how the code of conduct provides
guidance in these situations.

5. Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks: Evaluate whether the code of

conduct offers ethical decision-making frameworks or processes to
assist practitioners in resolving ethical dilemmas. These frameworks
may include steps such as identifying the ethical issue, considering
stakeholders' interests, weighing potential consequences, and
determining the most ethically appropriate course of action.

6. Professional Obligations and Responsibilities: Consider the professional

obligations and responsibilities that practitioners are expected to
uphold according to the code of conduct. This may include duties to
clients, employers, the public, and the profession itself. Assess how
these obligations influence professional behavior and decision-making.

7. Enforcement and Consequences: Analyze the mechanisms for

enforcing the code of conduct and the potential consequences for
violations. This may involve disciplinary actions, sanctions, or other
 forms of accountability. Consider whether the enforcement
mechanisms are effective in promoting adherence to ethical standards
and maintaining the integrity of the profession.

8. Cultural and Contextual Considerations: Recognize that interpretations

of ethical principles and guidelines may vary depending on cultural
norms, legal frameworks, and contextual factors. Consider how cultural
diversity and contextual differences may influence the application of
the code of conduct in different settings or regions.

9. Continuous Improvement and Adaptation: Finally, assess whether the

code of conduct is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect
changes in societal values, technological advancements, and emerging
ethical challenges. Continuous improvement ensures that the code
remains relevant, effective, and responsive to evolving ethical
considerations within the profession or industry.

By systematically analyzing and interpreting professional codes of conduct,

practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of their ethical obligations and
responsibilities, enhance their ethical decision-making skills, and contribute
to a culture of integrity and professionalism within their profession or
industry.

Group Activity

 Discuss the possible implications for a business that does not have a
computer code of conduct in place
 Code of ethics and practices must be dynamic, current and relevant if
they are to be practical worth. They must promote professionalism and
be effective challenge to malpractice. Develop a code of conduct for a
hypothetical computer project.