From: kadie@eff.org (Carl M. Kadie)
Subject: ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Originator: kadie@eff.org
Organization: EFF mail-news gateway
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 12:32:00 GMT

        ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Preamble.  Commitment to ethical professional conduct is expected of every
member (voting members, associate members, and student members) of the
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

     This Code, consisting of 24 imperatives formulated as statements of
responsibility, identifies the elements of such a commitment.  It contains
many, but not all, issues professionals are likely to face. Section 1 outlines
fundamental ethical considerations, while Section 2 addresses additional, more
specific considerations of professional conduct.  Statements in Section 3
pertain more specifically to individuals who have a leadership role, whether in
the workplace or in a volunteer capacity such as with organizations like ACM.
Principles involving compliance with this Code are given in Section 4.

     The Code shall be supplemented by a set of guidelines which provide
explanation to assist members in dealing with the various issues contained in
the Code.  It is expected that the Guidelines will be changed more frequently
than the Code.

     The Code and its supplementary Guidelines are intended to serve as a basis
for ethical decision making in the conduct of professional work.  Secondarily,
to the violation of professional ethical standards.

     It should be noted that although computing is not mentioned in the
imperatives of Section 1.0, the Code is concerned with how these fundamental
imperatives apply  to one's conduct as a computing professional.  These
which apply to computer ethics are derived from more general ethical principles.

     It is understood that some words and phrases in a code of ethics are
subject to varying interpretations, and that any ethical principle may conflict
with other ethical principles in specific situations. Questions related to
ethical conflicts can best be answered by thoughtful consideration of
fundamental principles, rather than reliance on detailed regulations.


1.    GENERAL MORAL IMPERATIVES.  As an ACM member I will...

1.1  Contribute to society and human well-being.

1.2  Avoid harm to others.

1.3  Be honest and trustworthy.

1.4  Be fair and take action not to discriminate.

1.5  Honor property rights including copyrights and patents.

1.6  Give proper credit for intellectual property

1.7  Respect the privacy of others.

1.8  Honor confidentiality.



2.    MORE SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES.  As an ACM

       computing professional I will...

2.1  Strive to achieve the highest quality in both the process and

       products of professional work.

2.2  Acquire and maintain professional competence.

2.3  Know and respect existing laws pertaining to professional work.

2.4  Accept and provide appropriate professional review.

2.5  Give comprehensive and thorough evaluations of computer systems

       and their impacts, including analysis of possible risks.

2.6  Honor contracts, agreements, and assigned responsibilities.

2.7  Improve public understanding of computing and its consequences.

2.8  Access computing and communication resources only when

       authorized to do so.



3.    ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP IMPERATIVES.  As an ACM

       member and an organizational leader, I will...

3.1  Articulate social responsibilities of members of an organizational

       unit and encourage full acceptance of those responsibilities.

3.2  Manage personnel and resources to design and build information

       systems that enhance the quality, effectiveness and dignity of

       working life.

3.3  Acknowledge and support proper and authorized uses of an

       organization's computing and communication resources.

3.4  Ensure that users and those who will be affected by a computing

       system have their needs clearly articulated during the assessment

       and design of requirements; later the system must be validated to

       meet requirements.

3.5  Articulate and support policies that protect the dignity of users and

       others affected by a computing system.

3.6  Create opportunities for members of the organization to learn the

       principles and limitations of computer systems.



4.    COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE.  As an ACM member, I will...

4.1  Uphold and promote the principles of this Code.

4.2  Treat violations of this Code as inconsistent with membership in

       the ACM.
-- 
Carl Kadie -- I do not represent EFF; this is just me.
 =kadie@eff.org, kadie@cs.uiuc.edu =