To Do It Or Not To Do It, That Is The Question

Some people think that the Internet acts like an invisibility cloak and hence, they can do whatever it is that they can’t do in real life. I suppose that it may be a logical assumption since you can “hide” behind a secret identity. But in the real world, there is always that chance that whatever it is you did will come back to haunt you.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but the invisibility cloak comes with its limits. After all, it was still created by people. And people still abide by some sort of rule, whether they like it or not. Hence, we have Cyber Ethics – the code of behavior for using the Internet. What you don’t or shouldn’t do in real life, you don’t or shouldn’t do while online.

To simplify matters, I found the 10 Commandments of Computer Ethics:
1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Source: Computer Ethics Institute (1992)