5.8 Legal and Ethical Concerns

Intellectual Property & Licensing

Creators of software, media, and other digital works hold intellectual property (IP) rights. Copyright protects original works automatically, while open-source licenses let others freely use, modify, and share code/content, often with conditions like giving credit. Using someone's work without permission or proper licensing (plagiarism or piracy) is both an ethical and legal violation.

Privacy, Security, and Data Concerns

Computing raises concerns about personally identifiable information (PII) being collected, stored, and shared, sometimes without full user consent. Weak security or careless data practices can lead to identity theft, unauthorized surveillance, or data breaches. Programs and systems should follow ethical data privacy practices, including encryption and anonymization, to protect users.

Digital Divide and Bias

Not everyone has equal access to computing devices, the internet, or digital literacy — this digital divide creates disparities in opportunity. Algorithms and data used in computing can also reflect or amplify bias, unintentionally disadvantaging certain groups. Ethical computing practices aim to reduce these harms and promote equitable access.

Key terms

Copyright

Automatic legal protection giving creators rights over their original works, such as software or media.

Open-source license

A license allowing free use, modification, and sharing of source code, often requiring attribution.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Data that can identify a specific person, such as name, address, or SSN; requires strong protection.

Digital divide

The gap in access to computing devices, internet, and digital literacy between different groups.

Algorithmic bias

Unfair outcomes produced by algorithms due to unrepresentative or skewed training data.

Try an AP-style question

What does a Creative Commons license allow?

1. Only government use
2. Sharing work under terms set by the creator
3. Preventing anyone from ever sharing
4. Using any work with no conditions