Ethics of Computing Examples in CS Thinking

Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Ethics of Computing.

This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in CS Thinking.

Concept Recap

The study of moral issues and responsibilities that arise from the development and use of computing technology.

Just because we can build something doesn't mean we should. Ethics asks: Is this fair? Who benefits? Who might be harmed?

Read the full concept explanation →

How to Use These Examples

  • Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
  • Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
  • Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.

What to Focus On

Core idea: Computing ethics covers bias in algorithms, digital divide, environmental impact, automation and jobs, misinformation, and responsible AI development.

Common stuck point: Ethics isn't just about laws — something can be legal but still unethical. Ethics requires judgment, not just compliance.

Worked Examples

Example 1

easy
Give three examples of ethical issues in computing and explain why each is a concern.

Solution

  1. 1
    Step 1: (1) Digital divide — not everyone has equal access to technology. Those without access miss out on education, jobs, and services, widening inequality.
  2. 2
    Step 2: (2) Algorithmic bias — AI systems trained on biased data can discriminate. Example: a hiring algorithm that favours men because it was trained on historical data where men were hired more often.
  3. 3
    Step 3: (3) Environmental impact — data centres consume massive amounts of electricity. Manufacturing electronics requires rare minerals, often mined under poor conditions.

Answer

Ethical issues: digital divide (unequal access), algorithmic bias (AI discrimination), environmental impact (energy use, e-waste).
Computing is not ethically neutral. The choices developers make about who can access technology, how algorithms work, and what data is collected have real-world consequences for people's lives.

Example 2

medium
A company develops an AI that can generate realistic fake videos (deepfakes) of anyone. Discuss the ethical considerations the company should address before releasing it.

Practice Problems

Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.

Example 1

medium
A school wants to install CCTV cameras in all classrooms and monitor students' computer screens in real-time. Discuss the ethical arguments for and against this.

Example 2

hard
An autonomous car must choose between two unavoidable crash scenarios: hitting one pedestrian or swerving into a wall and injuring the passenger. Who should the car prioritise, and who should make this decision — the programmer, the car owner, or the government?
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Background Knowledge

These ideas may be useful before you work through the harder examples.

privacyintellectual propertyaccessibility