Rules of ethics in information processing

Abstract

The background and motivation for the adoption by the ACM Council on November 11, 1966, of a set of Guidelines for Professional Conduct in Information Processing are described. A brief history is given of ethical codes in other professions. Some reasons for and against adoption of ethical rules are considered, and several sections of the ACM Guidelines are analyzed. The purpose is to inform about this important aspect of our profession, as well as to stimulate thought and interest.