Abstract

This presentation address the matters of computer ethics, the associated legal issues, and the professional support that exists in the industry. Perspective is given on artificial intelligence, and the ten commandments of Computer Ethics Institute are discussed.

Professionals need to have an appreciation for the legal issues surrounding the profession in order to operate effectively and ethically. Intellectual property and ethical law are of great importance in all professions, but special considering needs to be made due to the nature of information technologies.

Accredited courses represent one way of attaining credibility, and professional bodies exist to ensure these courses provide an up-to-date and comprehensive appreciation for the profession. These same bodies are able to provide advice and support to promote fair and ethical practice in the profession through membership programmes requiring, among other things, adherence to a code of conduct.