Ethics

• A system of moral principles that guide behaviour.
• In Computer Science these are principles guiding responsible use and development of technology, focusing on privacy, security, fairness, and the impact on society
• By joining professional ethical bodies like BCS (British Computer Society) and IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) can help computing professionals be ethically guided through their codes of conduct
• The code of conduct outlines responsibilities in acting in the best interest of the public, clients, employers, product, judgement, management, profession, colleague and one’s self.
• Joining an ethical body ensures public trust on the programmer and his products and programmer can reach out to the ethical body in case of his own problems

Ownership

• Refers to having legal rights and full control over a specific piece or set of data, allowing the holder to make decisions regarding its use, access, and management.
• Copyright: Legal right granted to creators of original works, such as music, art, and software, giving them exclusive control over how their work is used, distributed, and reproduced.
• Copyright legislation: Laws that grant creators exclusive rights to their original works, protecting them from unauthorized use, reproduction, and distribution.

Types of Software Licensing

Free Software Foundation

• Allows users to run, modify, and distribute the software without restrictions
• Example: Linux

Freeware

• Software that is free
• User cannot view, modify or redistribute the software as source code unavailable
• Example: Zoom, Google Doc

The Open Source Initiative

• Grants users the rights to inspect, modify, and distribute the software freely
• Source Code included with software
• Example: Chromium (Software which sets the basis of popular browser)

Shareware

• Distributed for free with option to purchase a license for continued use
• Often includes limitations or trial periods
• Example: Adobe Photoshop

Commercial software

• Proprietary software sold for profit, typically with restrictions on how it can be used, modified, or distributed
• Program code cannot be edited
• It is often accompanied by a license agreement specifying usage rights.
• Advantage: Support available, Less bugs, Software upgrade available, Usually compatible with other softwares
• Example: Windows, Paid Video Games

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behaviors by computers. AI Can learn, decide and act autonomously.

Characteristics

• Collection of data and the rules for using that data: Ai needs huge data sets to operate and perform tasks. Data is collected from various sources like text, image, sensors, human interactions. These data are then processed using a rule that enables the system to form decisions
• Ability to reason: AI can make decisions, solve problems, and draw conclusions based on data patterns.
• Ability to learn and adapt: AI learns from past experiences, adapting its responses over time to improve performance in changing environments.

Applications

• Easily process large data and make statistics or analysis
• Can be used in robotics and machines
• Can generate art, music, writing
• Can be used in chat bots or virtual assistance
• Self driving car or autonomous machines

Impacts

• Social
  • Risk of losing jobs
  • Increased leisure time
  • Better healthcare
• Economic
  • Lower manufacturing cost
  • Higher efficiency and accuracy
  • Easily Scalable
• Environmental
  • Operation of AI may contribute to a carbon footprint
  • Traffic and Noise pollution can be reduced drastically
  • May lead to increased electronic waste
  • Better weather forecasting will lead to better decision making
  • Better Agriculture, More production