In this lesson, you will explore ethical and social issues related to computing technology. As computing becomes more integrated into our lives, it's important to understand its impacts on society, privacy, and fairness.

By the end of this lesson, you will:

1. Identify key ethical issues in computing.
2. Understand social implications of technology.
3. Analyse real-world case studies.
4. Reflect on these issues through discussion prompts.

Ethical issues in computing involve questions of right and wrong in the development and use of technology. It's important to note that these issues aren't often black and white; there are grey areas where determining what's right or wrong depends on the context, intentions, and outcomes.

For example, consider hacking: unauthorised access to a system is generally wrong and illegal, but ethical hackers are sometimes hired by companies to test and improve security vulnerabilities – is this always justifiable? Another example is intellectual property: downloading a pirated movie for personal use might seem harmless to some, but it could deprive creators of income – where do you draw the line between fair sharing and theft?

Here are some key ethical issues related to computing:

• Data Privacy and Protection: This refers to how personal information is collected, stored, shared, and safeguarded from unauthorised access. For example, apps on your phone might gather data about your location or browsing habits.
• Sources of AI Bias: Data-Driven and Deliberate Interventions: This occurs when artificial intelligence systems produce outcomes that unfairly affect certain groups due to biases in the data or algorithms used, and it involves determining who is responsible for those outcomes.
• Misinformation and Deepfakes: This involves the creation and spread of false or misleading information online, including deepfakes which are AI-generated videos or images that appear realistic but are fabricated.
• Intellectual Property and Piracy: This concerns the legal rights over creations such as software or digital content, and the unauthorised copying, distribution, or use of those creations.
• Cybersecurity and Hacking: This relates to measures for protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorised access or attacks, and hacking is the act of exploiting vulnerabilities in those systems.

Split into small groups of 2-4 people. If you are working alone, you can reflect individually by writing down your thoughts.

Choose one of the key ethical issues from the 'Key Ethical Issues' step, such as Data Privacy and Protection or AI Bias.

Discuss or reflect on questions like:

• What makes this issue challenging?
• Can you think of a real-life example where this issue has arisen?
• How might it be addressed?

For example, if your group chooses Cybersecurity and Hacking, you could discuss the ethics of 'white hat' hacking (hacking to improve security) versus 'black hat' hacking (hacking for harm), and share opinions on whether companies should hire ethical hackers.

Social issues in computing involve the broader impacts of technology on society, communities, and individuals. Like ethical issues, they often have grey areas where the effects can be both positive and negative depending on context.

For example, social media platforms can foster global connections and support networks, but they can also enable cyberbullying that harms mental health – is the benefit of connectivity worth the risk of online harm? Another example is automation: it can increase efficiency and create new job opportunities in tech, but it might displace workers in traditional roles.

Here are some key social issues related to computing:

• Digital Divide: This refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who don't, leading to inequalities in education, employment, and social mobility. For example, students in rural areas might lack high-speed internet, putting them at a disadvantage for online learning.
• Cyberbullying: This is the use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate individuals, often affecting mental health and well-being. An example is spreading rumours or hateful messages on social media, which can lead to severe emotional distress.
• Job Displacement: This occurs when technology, such as AI and automation, replaces human labour in various industries, leading to unemployment or the need for reskilling. For instance, self-checkout machines in stores can reduce the need for cashiers, impacting job availability. However, new technologies often create new jobs and industries as well. For example, the rise of e-commerce has created opportunities in web development, data analysis, and logistics.

These issues highlight how computing can both connect and divide people in society.

Split into small groups of 2-4 people. If you are working alone, you can reflect individually by writing down your thoughts.

Choose one of the key social issues from the 'Social Issues in Computing' step, such as Digital Divide or Cyberbullying.

Discuss or reflect on questions like:

• What makes this issue challenging?
• Can you think of a real-life example where this issue has arisen?
• How might it be addressed?

For example, if your group chooses Digital Divide, you could discuss how lack of internet access affects education in remote areas, and share opinions on whether it could be solved or not.