Chapter 11: Society, Law and Ethics

As we spend more time online, understanding the ethical, legal, and societal implications of computing is crucial. This chapter covers how to be a responsible digital citizen, protect data, and stay safe from cyber threats.

11.1 Digital Society and Netizen

A Netizen (Internet Citizen) is someone who actively uses the internet. Being a good netizen means following Net Etiquettes (rules for acceptable online behavior).

• Communication Etiquettes: Be polite, avoid writing in ALL CAPS (which implies shouting), respect others’ privacy, and avoid flaming (hostile language).
• Social Media Etiquettes: Do not share unverified information (fake news), be mindful of what you post, and respect copyrights.

Digital Footprints

Every time you use the internet, you leave behind a trail of data called a Digital Footprint.

• Active Digital Footprint: Data you intentionally submit online (e.g., social media posts, emails).
• Passive Digital Footprint: Data collected without your explicit knowledge (e.g., IP address logging, cookies tracking your browsing habits). Caution: Digital footprints are permanent. Always think before you click or post.

11.2 Data Protection and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind (inventions, literary and artistic works, designs).

• Copyright: Protects original works of authorship (books, software code, music).
• Patent: Protects inventions, granting the inventor exclusive rights.
• Trademark: Protects symbols, names, and slogans used to identify a brand.

Violations of IPR:

• Plagiarism: Using someone else’s work or ideas without giving them proper credit.
• Copyright Infringement: Unauthorized use, copying, or distribution of copyrighted material (e.g., downloading pirated movies).

Open Source Software (OSS)

Software whose source code is available for anyone to view, modify, and enhance. It relies on specific licenses:

• GPL (General Public License): Ensures the software remains free and open. Any modified versions must also be distributed under GPL.
• Creative Commons (CC): Used mostly for media/content, allowing creators to grant permission to others to share and use their work under specific conditions.
• Apache License: Allows users to use the software for any purpose, distribute it, modify it, and distribute modified versions.

11.3 Cyber Crime and Cyber Safety

Cyber Crime is any criminal activity that involves a computer, networked device, or a network.

• Hacking: Unauthorized access to a computer system or network.
• Eavesdropping: Secretly intercepting private communications over a network.
• Phishing: Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information (like passwords) by disguising as a trustworthy entity via email.
• Ransomware: Malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands payment (ransom) to decrypt them.
• Cyber Bullying: Using digital technology to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone.
• Cyber Trolls: Individuals who intentionally post inflammatory or provocative messages online to disrupt conversations and provoke emotional responses.

Cyber Safety: The safe and responsible use of Information and Communication Technology.

• Identity Protection: Using strong passwords, enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and not sharing personal details publicly.
• Confidentiality: Ensuring data is only accessible to authorized individuals (e.g., using secure HTTPS websites).

11.4 Malware

Malware (Malicious Software) is designed to harm or exploit computer systems.

• Virus: Attaches itself to a clean file and spreads when the infected file is executed.
• Trojan: Disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it, creating a backdoor for hackers.
• Adware: Unwanted software designed to throw advertisements up on your screen.

11.5 E-Waste and Technology in Society

E-Waste (Electronic Waste) refers to discarded electronic appliances (old phones, computers). E-waste contains toxic materials (lead, mercury) and must be disposed of properly through authorized recycling centers, not thrown in regular trash.

Information Technology Act (IT Act)

In India, the IT Act, 2000 (and its amendments) provides legal recognition for electronic transactions and outlines penalties for cybercrimes like hacking, data theft, and publishing obscene information online.

Gender and Disability Issues

Technology should be inclusive.

• Disability Issues: Websites and software should be designed with accessibility in mind (e.g., screen readers for the visually impaired, keyboard navigation for motor disabilities).
• Gender Issues: Ensuring equal access to technology and computing education regardless of gender, and actively combating online gender-based harassment.

Competency Based Questions

Q1. Case-Based Scenario Amit downloads a popular mobile game from a third-party website instead of the official app store. After installation, the game works fine, but Amit notices that his phone’s battery drains rapidly, and he is constantly bombarded with pop-up advertisements even when the game is closed.

1. What specific type of malware has likely infected Amit’s phone?
2. Which cybersecurity concept did Amit ignore by downloading from an untrusted source?

Q2. Assertion-Reasoning

• Assertion (A): Plagiarism is a legal offense that always leads to a jail sentence.
• Reason (R): Plagiarism involves using someone else’s work without giving them credit, which is ethically wrong. Choose the correct option: a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. b) Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A. c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

Q3. Application-Oriented A school has replaced 50 old desktop computers with new laptops. The administration plans to dump the old computers in the local municipal garbage bin.

1. What is the term used for these discarded computers?
2. Why is the administration’s plan dangerous, and what is the proper way to dispose of them?

Q4. Differentiate What is the difference between Phishing and Eavesdropping? Provide a brief one-line explanation for each.

Answers to Competency Based Questions

A1.

1. Amit’s phone is likely infected with a Trojan (since it disguised itself as a legitimate game) that dropped Adware (causing the constant advertisements).
2. He ignored Cyber Safety principles, specifically safely browsing the web and downloading only from verified, official sources.

A2. d) A is false but R is true. Explanation: The reason is entirely correct. However, the assertion is false. While plagiarism is an ethical violation and can lead to severe academic or professional consequences (like failing a course or being fired), it is not necessarily a criminal offense that leads to jail time unless it crosses into severe, legally actionable Copyright Infringement.

A3.

1. These discarded computers are termed E-waste (Electronic Waste).
2. Dumping them in municipal bins is dangerous because computers contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals (like lead, cadmium, and mercury) that can leach into the soil and groundwater, causing severe environmental damage. The proper way to dispose of them is to hand them over to authorized E-waste recycling centers for safe dismantling and material recovery.

A4.

• Phishing involves actively deceiving a victim (usually via fake emails) into voluntarily giving up sensitive information like passwords.
• Eavesdropping involves passively and secretly intercepting data as it travels over a network without the communicating parties’ knowledge.