SECTION 8: Ethical, Legal, Cultural and Environmental Concerns Flashcards
(30 cards)
What are ethical issues in computing?
Issues about what is morally right or wrong (e.g. AI bias, surveillance, digital divide).
What are legal issues in computing?
Issues that involve laws (e.g. copyright, data protection, hacking).
What are cultural issues in computing?
How technology influences culture, lifestyle, language, and behaviour (e.g. screen addiction, globalisation).
What are environmental issues in computing?
Effects of technology on the environment (e.g. e-waste, energy consumption, pollution from manufacturing).
How does computer use impact the environment?
Through energy use, mining for rare materials, and electronic waste.
What is e-waste?
Electronic waste — discarded electrical or electronic devices.
Give 2 ways to reduce environmental impact of computers.
Use energy-efficient devices, recycle hardware.
What are privacy concerns in computing?
The risk of personal data being accessed, shared or misused without consent.
How can technology affect privacy?
Through data tracking, surveillance, data breaches.
What is open-source software?
Software where the source code is available for anyone to view, use, and modify.
Give 1 example of open-source software.
Linux, Firefox
What is proprietary software?
Software owned by a company — source code is not shared and cannot be modified.
Give 1 example of proprietary software.
Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop
Give 1 advantage of open-source software.
Free to use and customisable.
Give 1 disadvantage of open-source software.
May lack support and frequent updates.
Give 1 advantage of proprietary software.
Regular updates, customer support, professional interface.
Give 1 disadvantage of proprietary software.
Expensive, cannot legally modify the code.
What is the digital divide?
The gap between people who can access digital technology and those who can’t.
Give 2 causes of the digital divide.
Lack of internet access, cost of devices.
Give 2 effects of the digital divide.
Unequal access to education and job opportunities.
What is internet censorship?
Blocking or restricting access to certain websites or content.
What is surveillance in computing?
Monitoring people’s online activity (e.g. by governments or employers).
V Give one reason for surveillance.
To prevent crime or terrorism.
Give one argument against surveillance.
Violates personal privacy.
