A major problem facing the computer programmer centers on ethics. I distinguish ethics from morals: morals involve the relationships between an individual and his God; ethics involve the relationships between an individual and his society. Note that I do not subscribe to a belief that ethical behavior is universal. Rather, the society in which an individual resides determines what behavior is ethical. Much like Machiavelli's Prince I hold that certain actions are ethical in one society but unethical in another.

This essay addresses an ethical question facing a computer programmer in the 21st century United States. Unfortunately, it was triggered when I observed the actions of a programmer who was working with me. That programmer, who I taught how to remotely deposit benign software on a remote machine, suggested that the technique would allow him to "take over" those remote machines. I was truly horrified at the idea. As far as I know, that programmer was terminated from two positions and hopefully never succeeded in using the knowledge I imparted.

Computer programmers have enormous power. It is not so much that a programmer has personal power but rather that a programmer can affect a large number of people through his actions. I am a severe judge of misdirected action. I hold that computer programmers should be held accountable for their actions. I go so far as to suggest that severe sanctions be handed down to programmers who perform unethically.

When a programmer betrays the trust given him, the consequent actions become unethical. A programmer who uses the equipment of an employer for personal gain has stolen from that employer. But more importantly, when a programmer uses his knowledge to cause harm, he has stepped into much more seriously criminal activity. Few, other than other programmers, can fully understand the unhealthy nature of pranksters. In 1988, Robert Morris unleashed the Internet Worm . I was personally affected to the tune of four hours of denial of services because of Morris' action. Morris was convicted and sentenced by a Federal judge. He was given probation, community service, and a small fine. I believe that Morris should have spent the remainder of his days in prison. But the society in which Morris lived (the same one in which the Federal judge lived) decided that Morris' actions were not worthy of a long prison sentence.

I fear that, today, we are faced with a growing number of ethically illiterate young programmers who revel in their knowledge. Some turn their knowledge into good uses. Others do not. As a result, the Internet has become a very dangerous place.

Although I am no longer a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), I personally subscribe to the ACM's Code of Ethics . I would hope that others in my profession do likewise.