Ten Commandments of the Internet or "Netiquette"

Our DML team has a book club that meets monthly, and we are reading through the book, Honorable in Business:  Business Ethics from a Christian Perspective by Annetta Gibson and Daniel Augsburger (publisher is Wipf and Stock, so guess who helped us get these books!  That's right - my husband, Michael!).  It's been a great book to read together and we've enjoyed the discussions.

This past chapter was about privacy, property, and technology, and we were amazed to read the "Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics" written in 1992 by the Computer Ethics Institute because they are still so applicable today especially with social media and the internet!  How often do we not see "bearing false witness" as well as stealing on the internet from Christians and nonChristians alike?  Not to mention the regularity of disrespect for each other.  It's time for a recommitment to these wise words!  It's time to remember "Netiquette!"

1. You shall not use the Internet to harm other people.
2. You shall not interfere with other people’s Internet work.
3. You shall not snoop around in other people’s Internet files.
4. You shall not use the Internet to steal.
5. You shall not use the Internet to bear false witness.
6. You shall not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid (without permission).
7. You shall not use other people’s Internet resources without authorization or proper compensation.
8. You shall not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.
9. You shall think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.
10. You shall always use the Internet in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

Several of our teams have started book clubs of their own during this slower time of COVID-19 and these discussions have been rich times of discussing and learning during these challenging times of social distancing.  I hope you have found an opportunity to be in a book club of your own!