Ethics and ownership
Cambridge AS & A Level Computer Science 9618 · Paper 1 · Unit 7
Paper 1 · Unit 7. Professional ethics, copyright, software licences and AI.
1. Ethics and professional codes
Computer scientists and software engineers should follow a code of conduct from a professional body such as the BCS (British Computer Society) or the IEEE. These codes cover:
- Public interest: consider health, safety, privacy and the environment.
- Professional competence: only take on work you are able to do, and keep skills up to date.
- Duty to employers and clients: act honestly, avoid conflicts of interest, keep information confidential.
- Duty to the profession: uphold its reputation and support colleagues.
In an exam scenario, identify the ethical issue (e.g. releasing untested software, hiding a known bug, misusing personal data) and explain the impact and the correct action.
2. Ownership and copyright
Copyright gives the creator legal ownership of original work, such as software, text, images and music. It is needed so creators can control and earn money from their work and so others cannot copy it freely. Copyright legislation makes it illegal to copy, distribute or modify software without permission.
Software is protected with licences, product keys, activation and digital rights management.
3. Software licensing
| Licence | Features |
|---|---|
| Free Software Foundation | Users are free to run, study, change and redistribute the software; modified versions must be released under the same terms (copyleft) |
| Open Source Initiative | Source code is available to view and modify; focuses on the benefits of open collaborative development |
| Shareware | Free trial for a limited time or with limited features; pay to continue |
| Commercial | Must be paid for; source code is not available; licence limits number of users or devices |
Try it: which software licence?
4. Artificial Intelligence
AI systems can analyse large amounts of data, recognise patterns and make decisions. Impacts include:
| Area | Possible impacts |
|---|---|
| Society | Faster medical diagnosis, assistive technology, personalised services; risk of bias in decisions and misuse such as deepfakes |
| Economy | Higher productivity and new jobs in technology; some routine jobs replaced by automation |
| Environment | Better monitoring of climate and energy use; training and running AI uses a lot of electricity and water |
5. Examiner tips
- Apply ethics to the scenario: name the stakeholder harmed and what should be done.
- FSF vs OSI: FSF is about freedom (ethics), OSI is about the development model.
- Shareware is not free software: you must pay after the trial.
- AI impacts: give a balanced answer covering positives and negatives.
6. Practice questions
Practice: answer and check instantly
Type a short answer, then press Check or Enter.
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Copyright.
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Shareware.
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Commercial.
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British Computer Society.
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Copyleft.
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Artificial Intelligence.
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Open Source Initiative.
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Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Exam-style questions
9. A software engineer knows a product has a serious bug but the manager wants it released on time. Discuss the ethical issues. [4]
Show mark guide
Public interest: users could be harmed or lose data [1] · professional duty to report the bug honestly [1] · the duty to the employer does not override safety/public interest [1] · the engineer should raise it formally, document it and recommend fixing or delaying release [1].
10. Compare the Free Software Foundation and Open Source Initiative approaches. [4]
Show mark guide
Both make source code available [1] · both allow modification and redistribution [1] · FSF focuses on users’ freedom as an ethical issue [1] · FSF requires modified versions to remain free (copyleft) [1] · OSI focuses on practical benefits of collaborative development [1] · OSI licences may allow inclusion in proprietary software [1]. Max 4.
7. Topic test: predict your grade
Topic test: predict your grade
15 questions, about 10 minutes. Answer them all, then press Mark my test.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between free software and open source?
Both make source code available. Free software focuses on users’ freedom as an ethical issue and usually requires changes to stay free, while open source focuses on the practical benefits of collaborative development.
What is shareware?
Shareware is software you can try for free for a limited time or with limited features, after which you must pay to keep using it.
Why do computer professionals follow a code of conduct?
Codes of conduct from bodies such as the BCS and IEEE make professionals act in the public interest, stay competent, act honestly towards employers and clients, and protect the reputation of the profession.