Standard Ethics and Compliance Issues

[Name of the Instructor]

[Dated]

Abstract

This paper discusses the selected aspect of the topic 'Standard Ethics and Compliance' in a holistic context. The paper will attempt to discuss 'the ethical issues inherent in software engineering' by giving a brief explanation of the code that comprises the 8 principles, the various aspects of professional responsibility and the ethical issues. It will also include other ethical issues surrounding software engineering by providing a brief account on 'the emerging areas of digital rights and how current and future trends might change the nature of digital rights' by describing the Digital Rights Management System, the background of the digital rights and the trust and security aspect related to this area. This is necessary on account of attaining a better insight into issues related to ethics. This is because laws such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DCMA) that were passed prohibit the circumvention of pirated systems there under threat of fines and / or

imprisonment respect of each individual case. Also rights related to trusts and security are outlined and explained. These need to be followed closely and correctly by people employed in software engineering. Immaturity and lack of knowledge related to the field of software engineering as compared to other disciplines of engineering contributes towards violation of ethics in software engineering. This off course implies that people are unaware of issues like the Digital rights. This topic needs to be deeply considered as in this way majority of unethical measures can be avoided.

The ethical issues inherent in software engineering

Ethics deals with the deliberate behaviour of people. It also takes into account the consequences and impact of their behaviour. This can affect both the immediate consequences of the behaviour and the consequences later.

Individual responsibility:

This is the personal responsibility of individuals such as, honesty, fairness to others and personal integrity.

Professional responsibility:

Created by membership in a profession concerned and conduct of the profession, it goes beyond the general personal.

Socio-political responsibility (collective ethics):

This is to the society as a whole and to the responsibility of society, i.e. the reflection of the consequences of behaviour in collectives (organizations, groups, and economies Cultures) (Newberry, 2004, Pp. 343-351).

The computer has played a vital role in enhancing society, entertainment, education, medicine, government, industry and trade. A software engineer is one who contributes through the direct teaching or participation, testing and maintenance, certification, development, design, specification, analysis and teaching of

software systems. Due to the nature of their roles in the development of software systems, a software engineer could have considerable opportunities to generate profit or causing harm and to enable or influence others to cause harm or benefit. For ensuring, that their efforts would be utilized for good, a software engineer have got to commit himself for making software engineering a profession that is respected and beneficial. In harmony with this assurance, a software engineer shall adhere to the following Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (Haws, 2001, Pp. 223-229).

The code

The Code comprises of eight principles linked to the decisions ...