The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics are a code of behavior for users and developers of information technology. It was developed by the Computer Ethics Insitute (Washington, DC) and written by its president, Dr. Ramon C. Barquin as part of a keynote speech he delivered at the 1991 National Computer Ethics Conference at the Brookings Institution. They are:
- Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.
- Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
- Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
- Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
- Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
- Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.
- Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.
- Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
- Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
- Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and
respect for your fellow humans.