Ethical Issues (Privacy, Security, Intellectual Property)

    OCR
    GCSE

    Ethical issues in computer science necessitate the critical evaluation of digital technologies' impact on society, individuals, and the environment. Candidates must analyze the tension between technological advancement and fundamental rights, specifically regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the security of personal information. The topic encompasses the legal and moral frameworks governing intellectual property, requiring an understanding of copyright, licensing models, and the implications of software piracy. Mastery involves applying ethical theories to real-world scenarios, weighing the benefits of digital systems against potential harms such as surveillance, data breaches, and the digital divide.

    0
    Objectives
    3
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    5
    Key Terms
    5
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award 1 mark for identifying a specific stakeholder (e.g., employee, customer, shareholder) impacted by the technology.
    • Credit responses that explain the tension between data privacy and national security (e.g., encryption backdoors vs. crime prevention).
    • Award marks for distinguishing between Open Source and Proprietary software specifically regarding access to source code and modification rights.
    • In extended responses (8 marks), award Level 3 only for a balanced argument that explores both benefits and drawbacks with a justified conclusion.
    • Credit references to specific mechanisms of IP protection, such as 'Copyright' for code/content or 'Patents' for hardware inventions.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have identified a valid issue, but who does it affect? Explicitly name the stakeholder to gain the application mark."
    • "Your argument is currently one-sided. To reach the top band, you must consider the counter-argument or the benefits of the technology."
    • "Be careful with terminology: 'Hacking' is colloquial; use 'unauthorized access' to align with the Computer Misuse Act context."
    • "You mentioned 'Copyright'—expand on this by explaining how it specifically restricts the copying or modification of the source code."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award 1 mark for identifying a specific stakeholder (e.g., employee, customer, shareholder) impacted by the technology.
    • Credit responses that explain the tension between data privacy and national security (e.g., encryption backdoors vs. crime prevention).
    • Award marks for distinguishing between Open Source and Proprietary software specifically regarding access to source code and modification rights.
    • In extended responses (8 marks), award Level 3 only for a balanced argument that explores both benefits and drawbacks with a justified conclusion.
    • Credit references to specific mechanisms of IP protection, such as 'Copyright' for code/content or 'Patents' for hardware inventions.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For the 8-mark 'Discuss' question, adopt a 'Stakeholder Analysis' approach: explicitly name two different groups (e.g., Users vs. Developers) and contrast the impact on each.
    • 💡When discussing Intellectual Property, clearly distinguish between 'ownership' of software and 'licensing' usage rights.
    • 💡Use the acronym 'LICE' (Legal, Issues/Ethical, Cultural, Environmental) to brainstorm points, but ensure you only write about the specific areas requested in the question stem.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'Ethical' issues (moral principles) with 'Legal' issues (Acts of Parliament) when the question specifically requests one category.
    • Stating generic drawbacks like 'it costs money' without technical qualification (e.g., 'high initial implementation costs for biometric security').
    • Conflating the Data Protection Act (personal data rights) with the Computer Misuse Act (unauthorized access/hacking).
    • Providing a one-sided argument in 'Discuss' questions, which limits the response to Level 2 regardless of the quality of writing.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Data Privacy and Surveillance (Big Data, Tracking)
    Intellectual Property and Licensing (Copyright, Open Source vs. Proprietary)
    Cybersecurity Legislation (Computer Misuse Act, GDPR/DPA)
    Algorithmic Bias and Artificial Intelligence Ethics
    Environmental Impact of Digital Technology

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Discuss
    Explain
    Identify
    Describe
    Justify

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic