materials, such as teaching materials. There are many items that are important, even crucial, that are nonetheless not appropriate in the Code.

It is important, and tricky, to get the length of the Code right. There were some calls for the Code to be made shorter, possibly short enough to fit on a business card. There are legitimate concerns about someone choosing not to read the Code because it is too long. Rather than opt for that kind of brevity, we have targeted a middle ground. The Code must reflect the diversity of the activities computing professionals are involved in. Broader impacts of technology are not always clear or immediate, and the Code contains language to remind the reader to consider those broader impacts. Furthermore, the Code is intended to serve as a tool to use during ethical analysis. The guidance helps the professional to a deeper understanding of the principles. We hope that the Code is written in a way that facilitates a quick scan, as well as rewarding a more careful reading.

 

Call to action

After reading Draft 3 of the ACM Code of Ethics, please take the opportunity to make it better as a standard for the computing profession. We have provided two opportunities for you to share your comments. There is a general discussion board https://code2018.acm. org/discuss providing an opportunity for interested parties to discuss the suggested updates and ACM members are invited to take an online survey about the specific elements of the Code at https://www.acm.org/code-2018-sur- vey. Both comment systems close Feb. 10, 2018.

We look forward to your comments.

 

III. ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct: Draft 3

Draft 3 was developed by The Code 2018 Task Force. (It is based on the 2018 ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct: Draft 2).

 

Preamble

The actions of computing professionals
directly impact significant aspects of
society. In order to meet their responsi-
bilities, computing professionals must
always support the public good. The
ACM Code of Ethics and Professional
Conduct (“the Code”) reflects this obli-
gation by expressing the conscience of
the profession and provides guidance
to support ethical conduct of all com-
puting professionals.

The Code is designed to support all computing professionals, including current and aspiring computing practitioners, instructors, influencers, and anyone who uses technology in an impactful way. Additionally, the Code serves as a basis for remediation when violations occur. The Code includes principles formulated as statements of responsibility, based on the understanding that the public good is always the primary consideration. Each principle is supplemented by guidelines, which provide explanations to assist computing professionals in understanding and applying the principle.

Section 1 outlines fundamental ethical principles that form the basis for the remainder of the Code. Section 2 addresses additional, more specific considerations of professional responsibility. Section 3 pertains to individuals who have a leadership role, whether in the workplace or in a volunteer professional capacity. Commitment to ethical conduct is required of every ACM member, and principles involving compliance with the Code are given in Section 4.

The Code as a whole is concerned with how fundamental ethical principles apply to a computing professional’s conduct. The Code is not an algorithm for solving ethical problems; rather it serves as a basis for ethical decision making. When thinking through a particular issue, a computing professional may find that multiple principles should be taken into account, and that different principles will have different relevance to the issue. Questions related to these kinds of issues can best be answered by thoughtful consideration of the fundamental ethical principles, understanding that the public good is the paramount consideration. The entire computing profession benefits when the ethical decision making process is accountable to and transparent to all stakeholders. Open discussions about ethical issues promotes this accountability and transparency.

1. GENERAL MORAL PRINCIPLES. A computing professional should...

 

1. 1 Contribute to society and to human well-being, acknowledging that all people are stakeholders in computing. This principle, concerning the quality of life of all people, affirms an obligation of computing professionals to use their skills for the benefit of society, its members, and the environment surrounding them. This obligation includes promoting fundamental human rights and protecting each individual’s right to autonomy in day-to-day decisions. An essential aim of computing professionals is to minimize negative consequences of computing, including threats to health, safety, personal security, and privacy.

Computing professionals should consider whether the results of their efforts respect diversity, will be used in socially responsible ways, will meet social needs, and will be broadly accessible. They are encouraged to actively contribute to society by engaging in pro bono or volunteer work. When the interests of multiple groups conflict, the needs of the least advantaged should be given increased attention and priority.

In addition to a safe social environment, human well-being requires a safe natural environment. Therefore, computing professionals should promote environmental sustainability both locally and globally.

 

1. 2 Avoid harm.

In this document, “harm” means negative consequences to any stakeholder, especially when those consequences are significant and unjust. Examples of harm include unjustified physical or mental injury, unjustified destruction or disclosure of information, and unjustified damage to property, reputation, and the environment. This list is not exhaustive.

Well-intended actions, including those that accomplish assigned duties, may lead to harm. When that harm is unintended, those responsible are obligated to undo or mitigate the harm as much as possible. Avoiding harm begins with careful consideration of potential impacts on all those affected by decisions. When harm is an intentional part of the system, those responsible are obligated to ensure that the harm is