Exam Board:
OCR A-Level
Specification:
Computer Science H446
5.2 - Moral & Ethical Issues
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Moral & Ethical Issues #1
Moral & Ethical Issues #2
Artifical Intelligence
Technology and the internet have transformed society, bringing huge benefits but also raising new ethical, social and environmental challenges. Below are some key modern issues linked to computing and digital systems.
Moral & Ethical Issues






​Computers in the Workforce:
Computers and automation have increased productivity and created new tech-based jobs, but they have also led to job losses in areas where machines can replace human labour. This raises concerns about unemployment and retraining in many industries.
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Automated Decision Making:
Systems such as credit checks and recruitment tools now make decisions automatically using algorithms. While this can save time and reduce human bias, it can also lead to unfair or inaccurate outcomes if the data or programming is flawed.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI):
AI allows machines to learn and make decisions without explicit human control, improving fields like healthcare and transport. However, it also raises ethical questions about accountability, job loss and the potential misuse of intelligent systems.
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Environmental Effects:
Computers require energy to manufacture, use and dispose of, contributing to electronic waste and carbon emissions. Recycling and energy-efficient design can help reduce the environmental impact of modern technology.
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Censorship and the Internet:
Some governments and organisations restrict access to information online to control what people can see or share. While this can protect users from harmful content, it can also limit freedom of expression and access to knowledge.


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Monitoring Behaviour:
Digital systems and surveillance tools can track users’ actions, such as browsing history or location. This can improve safety and security but also raises privacy concerns about who collects this data and how it’s used.
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Analysing Personal Information:
Companies and governments can collect and analyse large amounts of personal data to improve services or target advertising. However, this creates risks of data misuse, discrimination or identity theft if information isn’t protected properly.
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Piracy and Offensive Communications:
The internet makes it easy to copy and share content illegally, such as music, films or software, leading to lost income for creators. It can also be a platform for offensive or harmful communication, such as trolling or cyberbullying, which can have serious social effects.
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Layout, Colour Paradigms, and Character Sets:
Design choices like layout, colour schemes and character sets affect how accessible and inclusive digital content is. Using clear design, appropriate colours and Unicode character sets helps ensure that websites and software can be used by people of all languages and abilities.
Questo's Key Terms
Moral & Ethical Issues: moral, social, ethical, cultural, opportunities, risks, computers in the workforce, automated decision making, artificial intelligence (AI), environmental effects, censorship, the internet, monitor behaviour, analysing personal information, piracy, offensive communications, layout, colour paradigms, character sets
Did You Know?
In 2022, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste (roughly 7.8 kg per person globally) and only 22% of it was formally collected and recycled.

