Computer-related Legislation

Department of Accounting School of Business Administration Wayne State University 207 Rands House Detroit, Michigan 48202 U.S.A.Abstract Professions have adopted ethical codes and codes of conduct. Physicians, lawyers, and engineers have moral responsibilities and know to whom they are responsible. Professionals in the information systems field need similar guidance. Unfortunately, multiple professional standards in the field are offered by individual organizations. Many of the precepts in these codes are similar, but some are not. This article presents the principles of five codes: three U.S. codes, the Canadian code, and the British code. After an examination of their similarities and dif- ferences, it is proposed that we (1) resolve the differences and (2) adopt a single, coherent, in- terational code of ethics for the information systems community.Introduction Computer-related legislation started in the late 1970s. However, the need for ethical behavior among computer professionals was already recognized by the late 1960s as the use of com- puters quickly spread in academic and business organizations. Because computer laws did not exist, professional organizations initiated their own ethical codes.Some ethical concerns have been resolved in the form of new or amended laws. Some will be ad- dressed by future legislation. Yet many issues will remain to be dealt with by the individual profes- sional. Many professional groups have adopted ethical codes. The emergence of the information systems (IS) professional spurred the major organizations of computer professionals to draft their own codes.