Unit 3: Cyber ethics ( Shorts : 10)
• Netiquettes.
• Software licenses and the open source software movement.
• Intellectual property rights, plagiarism and digital property rights.
• Freedom of information and the digital divide.
• E-commerce: Privacy, fraud, secure data transmission.
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CBSE Class 10 Computer Applications (165)
Unit 3: Cyber Ethics
Introduction
Cyber Ethics means the moral principles and proper rules that should be followed while using computers, the Internet and digital technology.
We should use technology responsibly, respect other people, protect information and avoid activities that may harm others.
Main Topics
Netiquettes
Software Licences
Open Source Software Movement
Intellectual Property Rights
Plagiarism
Digital Property Rights
Freedom of Information
Digital Divide
E-Commerce
Privacy in E-Commerce
Online Fraud
Secure Data Transmission
1. Netiquettes
Meaning of Netiquette
Netiquette is a combination of Internet + Etiquette.
It means the rules of polite, responsible and respectful behaviour while using the Internet.
Examples of Netiquettes
Be polite while communicating online.
Do not use abusive or offensive language.
Do not send unnecessary messages or spam.
Respect other people's privacy.
Do not share someone's personal information without permission.
Do not type everything in CAPITAL LETTERS because it may look like shouting.
Do not spread rumours or false information.
Give credit to the original creator of online content.
Do not cyberbully anyone.
Use meaningful subject lines in e-mails.
Think before posting anything online.
Do not share passwords with others.
Respect different opinions.
Example
Instead of writing:
"YOU ARE WRONG!!!"
A better online response is:
"I have a different opinion. Let us discuss it."
Golden Rule of Netiquette
Treat people online in the same respectful way that you would like to be treated offline.
2. Software Licences
Meaning
A software licence is a legal agreement that specifies how software can be used, copied, modified or distributed.
When we install software, we normally agree to its licence terms.
Why are Software Licences Important?
They:
Protect the rights of software creators.
Specify permitted uses of software.
Prevent unauthorised copying.
Explain whether modification is allowed.
Explain whether redistribution is allowed.
Common Types of Software
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Proprietary Software | Software owned by an individual or company |
| Freeware | Software available for use without paying a licence fee |
| Shareware | Software provided for trial or limited use |
| Open Source Software | Source code is made available under an open-source licence |
| Public Domain Software | Software not protected by copyright or whose rights have been released |
Important Point
Free software does not always mean open-source software.
"Free" may mean that users do not have to pay money, while open source refers to availability of source code under the applicable licence.
3. Open Source Software Movement
Meaning of Open Source Software
Open Source Software (OSS) is software whose source code is made available under a licence that permits specified rights such as studying, modifying and redistributing the software.
Examples include:
Linux
Mozilla Firefox
LibreOffice
Apache HTTP Server
VLC Media Player
Advantages of Open Source Software
Source code is available under the licence.
Users can study how the software works.
Developers can modify it according to licence conditions.
Software can be improved by a community.
It can reduce software costs.
Users are less dependent on a single vendor.
Open Source Movement
The Open Source Movement promotes software development and distribution based on open-source principles and licences.
Open Source vs Proprietary Software
| Open Source | Proprietary |
|---|---|
| Source code is available under its licence | Source code is generally not publicly available |
| Can allow modification | Modification is usually restricted |
| Can allow redistribution | Redistribution is usually restricted |
| Developed by communities or organisations | Usually controlled by its owner/vendor |
4. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Meaning
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal rights given to creators or owners of intellectual creations.
Intellectual property may include:
Software
Books
Music
Images
Videos
Inventions
Logos
Designs
Articles
Why are IPR Important?
IPR:
Protects creators.
Encourages creativity and innovation.
Prevents unauthorised use.
Gives creators legal rights over their creations.
Types of Intellectual Property
Some important forms are:
Copyright: Protects original creative works such as books, software, music and images.
Patent: Protects eligible inventions and technical innovations.
Trademark: Protects names, logos, symbols and other marks that identify goods or services.
5. Plagiarism
Meaning
Plagiarism means presenting another person's work, ideas or content as your own without proper acknowledgement.
Examples
Copying an article from a website and submitting it as your own.
Copying another student's assignment.
Using an image without following its licence requirements.
Copying computer program code without appropriate permission or attribution.
Using someone's ideas without giving credit.
How to Avoid Plagiarism?
Write information in your own words.
Give credit to the original creator.
Use quotations when directly quoting someone.
Mention sources where required.
Follow the licence terms of online material.
Example
If a student copies a complete paragraph from a website and submits it under their own name without acknowledgement, it is plagiarism.
6. Digital Property Rights
Meaning
Digital Property Rights refer to rights associated with digital content and digital creations.
Digital property can include:
Digital photographs
Videos
Music
E-books
Software
Websites
Digital artwork
Online articles
Computer programs
Examples
A photographer creates a photograph and uploads it to the Internet.
Other people should not assume that they can:
Copy it,
Sell it,
Edit it,
Re-upload it,
without considering the creator's rights and the applicable licence.
How to Respect Digital Property?
Check copyright information.
Read licence conditions.
Obtain permission when required.
Give appropriate credit.
Do not distribute pirated content.
Do not copy someone's work and claim it as your own.
7. Freedom of Information
Meaning
Freedom of Information refers broadly to the ability of people to access information, especially information held by public authorities, subject to applicable laws, exemptions and privacy/security considerations.
The Internet has made information much easier to access and share.
Benefits
Helps people obtain information.
Supports education and research.
Promotes transparency.
Helps citizens understand public services.
Supports informed participation in society.
Example
A citizen may use an appropriate government information system to obtain information about a public service or government programme, subject to applicable rules.
Important Point
Freedom of information does not mean that every piece of information can be accessed or published without restriction.
Some information may need protection because of:
Privacy
National security
Confidentiality
Legal restrictions
8. Digital Divide
Meaning
The Digital Divide is the gap between people or communities that have adequate access to digital technologies and those that do not.
The difference may involve access to:
Computers
Smartphones
Internet
Digital services
Electricity
Digital skills
Affordable connectivity
Causes of Digital Divide
Poverty
Lack of Internet connectivity
Rural and remote locations
Lack of digital literacy
High cost of devices
Lack of infrastructure
Language barriers
Lack of accessibility for some users
Effects
Unequal educational opportunities
Unequal access to online services
Fewer employment opportunities
Difficulty accessing digital government services
Social and economic inequality
Ways to Reduce Digital Divide
Affordable Internet access
Digital literacy programmes
Better rural connectivity
Affordable computers and smartphones
Accessible websites and applications
Digital education in schools
Example
If students in one area have high-speed Internet and computers while students in another area have no reliable Internet connection, a digital divide exists between them.
9. E-Commerce
Meaning
E-Commerce (Electronic Commerce) means buying and selling goods or services through electronic networks, especially the Internet.
Examples
Online shopping
Online ticket booking
Online banking
Online food ordering
Online payment
Online hotel reservation
Basic E-Commerce Process
Customer
↓
Visits Website/App
↓
Selects Product/Service
↓
Places Order
↓
Makes Payment
↓
Seller Processes Order
↓
Product/Service Delivered
Advantages of E-Commerce
Available 24×7
Convenient
Saves time
Wide range of products
Easy price comparison
Online payment facilities
Useful for customers and businesses
Disadvantages/Risks
Online fraud
Fake websites
Privacy problems
Data theft
Fake products or misleading offers
Payment-related risks
Delivery problems
10. Privacy in E-Commerce
Meaning
Privacy means protecting a person's personal and sensitive information from unauthorised access, misuse or disclosure.
During online shopping, websites may collect information such as:
Name
Address
Mobile number
E-mail address
Order details
Payment-related information
Privacy Risks
Unauthorised access
Data leakage
Identity theft
Unwanted marketing
Tracking or misuse of personal information
How to Protect Privacy?
Use trusted websites and apps.
Check the website address carefully.
Read privacy policies where appropriate.
Do not share unnecessary personal information.
Use strong passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication where available.
Avoid saving sensitive information on shared computers.
Log out after using public/shared devices.
11. Online Fraud
Meaning
Online fraud is the use of deceptive online methods to steal money, personal information or account access.
Common Examples
1. Phishing
A fraudulent message or website attempts to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
Example:
"Your bank account will be blocked. Click here immediately to verify your account."
The link may lead to a fake website.
2. Fake Shopping Websites
A fake website may advertise products at unusually attractive prices and then:
Take payment,
Send a fake/poor-quality product,
Or fail to deliver anything.
3. Fake Offers
Messages may claim:
"You have won ₹10,00,000. Pay ₹5,000 processing fee."
Such unexpected prize/payment requests are a common warning sign of fraud.
4. Identity Theft
A criminal may misuse another person's personal information to impersonate them.
12. Secure Data Transmission
Meaning
Secure data transmission means protecting data while it is being transferred between a user's device and another computer or online service.
Why is it Important?
It helps protect:
Passwords
Personal information
Payment information
Login credentials
Business information
HTTPS
HTTPS stands for:
HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure
It uses encryption through TLS to help protect communication between the browser and website.
Example:
http://example.com
is different from:
https://example.com
For sensitive online activities, users should look for HTTPS and verify that they are using the correct website.
Encryption
Encryption converts readable information (plaintext) into an encoded form (ciphertext) so that unauthorised persons cannot easily understand it.
Plaintext
↓
Encryption
↓
Ciphertext
↓
Decryption
↓
Plaintext
Important Safety Rules
Prefer HTTPS for sensitive transactions.
Never share OTPs or passwords with anyone.
Do not click suspicious links.
Verify the website/app before entering payment information.
Keep browsers and operating systems updated.
Use strong, unique passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication where available.
Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured public networks.
Cyber Ethics – Important Differences
Copyright vs Plagiarism
| Copyright | Plagiarism |
|---|---|
| A legal right related to creative works | An academic/ethical practice of presenting others' work as one's own |
| Protects creators' works | Misrepresents authorship |
| May restrict copying/use | Can occur even when the copied material is not being commercially used |
| Has legal consequences depending on the circumstances | Can have academic, professional and sometimes legal consequences |
Open Source vs Freeware
| Open Source | Freeware |
|---|---|
| Source code is available under an open-source licence | Usually available for use without payment |
| Licence permits specified rights such as modification/redistribution | Licence may restrict copying or modification |
| Users can inspect source code | Source code is generally not provided |
| Example: Linux | Example: a free-to-use proprietary application |
Privacy vs Security
| Privacy | Security |
|---|---|
| Concerns appropriate control and use of personal information | Concerns protection of systems and information from threats |
| Focuses on how personal data is collected, used and shared | Focuses on preventing unauthorised access, alteration or destruction |
| Example: how a shopping site uses customer data | Example: protecting customer data using encryption |
E-Commerce vs Traditional Commerce
| E-Commerce | Traditional Commerce |
|---|---|
| Takes place electronically/online | Usually takes place through physical interaction |
| Internet is commonly used | Physical stores and direct interaction are common |
| Can operate 24×7 | Usually depends on store timings |
| Online payment may be available | Cash/card/payment methods may be used physically |
Important Cyber Ethics Rules for Students
Respect other Internet users.
Do not cyberbully.
Do not spread fake information.
Respect copyright.
Do not plagiarise.
Follow software licence conditions.
Do not use pirated software.
Protect passwords and personal information.
Do not share OTPs.
Verify websites before making payments.
Use secure connections for sensitive activities.
Respect other people's digital property.
Report suspicious online activities.
Think before posting anything online.
Important Exam Questions
Very Short Answer Questions
Q1. What is Cyber Ethics?
Answer: Cyber Ethics is the set of moral principles and responsible practices for using computers, the Internet and digital technology.
Q2. What is Netiquette?
Answer: Netiquette means proper and polite behaviour while communicating and interacting on the Internet.
Q3. What is plagiarism?
Answer: Plagiarism is presenting another person's work or ideas as one's own without proper acknowledgement.
Q4. What is IPR?
Answer: IPR stands for Intellectual Property Rights. These are legal rights associated with intellectual creations.
Q5. What is digital divide?
Answer: Digital divide is the gap between people or communities that have adequate access to digital technology and those that do not.
Q6. What is e-commerce?
Answer: E-commerce is buying and selling goods or services through electronic networks, especially the Internet.
Q7. What does HTTPS stand for?
Answer: HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure.
Q8. What is online fraud?
Answer: Online fraud is the use of deceptive online methods to steal money, information or account access.
Short Answer Questions
Q1. Write any four rules of Netiquette.
Answer:
Be polite online.
Do not use abusive language.
Respect others' privacy.
Do not send spam or unnecessary messages.
Q2. What are Intellectual Property Rights?
Answer: IPR are legal rights associated with intellectual creations such as software, books, music, inventions, designs and logos. They help protect creators and their works.
Q3. What is the Digital Divide? Give two causes.
Answer: Digital divide is the gap in access to digital technology between different people or communities.
Two causes are:
Lack of Internet connectivity.
High cost of digital devices and services.
Q4. What is phishing?
Answer: Phishing is a fraudulent technique in which attackers use fake messages or websites to trick people into revealing sensitive information such as passwords or banking details.
Q5. Give four ways to remain safe while shopping online.
Answer:
Use trusted websites/apps.
Check the website address before entering information.
Use secure connections such as HTTPS.
Never share OTPs or passwords.
Long Answer Questions
Q1. Explain the advantages of Open Source Software.
Answer:
Open Source Software provides several benefits:
Its source code is available under the applicable licence.
Developers can study the code.
The software may be modified according to licence conditions.
Community participation can help improve the software.
It can reduce software costs.
It can provide alternatives to proprietary software.
Q2. Explain the Digital Divide and ways to reduce it.
Answer:
Digital divide is the gap between people who have adequate access to digital technologies and those who do not.
It can be reduced by:
Providing affordable Internet.
Improving rural connectivity.
Providing digital literacy training.
Making devices more affordable.
Providing digital education.
Designing accessible digital services.
Q3. Explain privacy, fraud and secure data transmission in e-commerce.
Answer:
Privacy: Personal information collected during online transactions should be handled appropriately and protected from unauthorised use.
Fraud: Fraud involves deceptive activities such as phishing, fake shopping websites and fake offers.
Secure Data Transmission: Data should be protected while travelling between the user's device and online service. HTTPS and encryption are commonly used to improve security.
MCQs
1. Netiquette refers to:
a. Computer hardware
b. Internet etiquette
c. Internet speed
d. Computer programming
Answer: b. Internet etiquette
2. Which of the following is an example of plagiarism?
a. Writing your own article
b. Giving credit to an author
c. Copying someone's work and presenting it as your own
d. Reading a book
Answer: c. Copying someone's work and presenting it as your own
3. IPR stands for:
a. Internet Privacy Rule
b. Intellectual Property Rights
c. Internet Protocol Rights
d. Information Processing Rules
Answer: b. Intellectual Property Rights
4. Which is an example of open-source software?
a. Linux
b. A proprietary paid application
c. A private database
d. A password
Answer: a. Linux
5. The gap in access to digital technology is called:
a. Cybercrime
b. Digital divide
c. Plagiarism
d. Netiquette
Answer: b. Digital divide
6. E-commerce means:
a. Electronic commerce
b. Easy commerce
c. Educational commerce
d. External commerce
Answer: a. Electronic commerce
7. Which protocol provides secure HTTP communication?
a. HTTP
b. HTTPS
c. FTP
d. SMTP
Answer: b. HTTPS
8. A fake website designed to steal user information is commonly associated with:
a. Phishing
b. Formatting
c. Printing
d. Compression
Answer: a. Phishing
9. Which information should never be shared with an unknown person?
a. Favourite colour
b. OTP
c. General hobby
d. Favourite sport
Answer: b. OTP
10. Which technology helps protect data during transmission?
a. Encryption
b. Formatting
c. Printing
d. Typing
Answer: a. Encryption
Fill in the Blanks
Internet etiquette is called Netiquette.
IPR stands for Intellectual Property Rights.
Presenting someone else's work as your own is called Plagiarism.
The gap in access to digital technology is called the Digital Divide.
Buying and selling through the Internet is called E-Commerce.
HTTPS provides secure communication.
Converting readable data into an encoded form is called Encryption.
A fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information is called Phishing.
True or False
Netiquette means polite behaviour on the Internet.
TruePlagiarism means creating your own original work.
FalseOpen-source software is always identical to freeware.
FalseDigital divide refers to unequal access to digital technology.
TrueHTTPS can help protect data transmitted between a browser and a website.
TrueOTP should be shared with anyone who asks for it.
FalseIPR helps protect intellectual creations.
TrueE-commerce can include online shopping.
True
Match the Following
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. Netiquette | a. Online buying and selling |
| 2. Plagiarism | b. Internet manners |
| 3. E-Commerce | c. Copying without proper acknowledgement |
| 4. Digital Divide | d. Unequal access to digital technology |
| 5. HTTPS | e. Secure HTTP communication |
Answers:
1 – b
2 – c
3 – a
4 – d
5 – e
Quick Revision
CYBER ETHICS
│
├── Netiquette
│ └── Good Internet manners
│
├── Software Licences
│ └── Rules for using software
│
├── Open Source
│ └── Source code available under licence
│
├── IPR
│ └── Rights over intellectual creations
│
├── Plagiarism
│ └── Using others' work as your own
│
├── Digital Property Rights
│ └── Rights over digital creations
│
├── Freedom of Information
│ └── Access to information subject to law
│
├── Digital Divide
│ └── Gap in digital access
│
└── E-Commerce
├── Privacy
├── Fraud
└── Secure Data Transmission
Golden Rules for Exam
Remember:
Netiquette = Good manners online
Licence = Rules for using software
Open Source = Source code available under an open-source licence
IPR = Rights related to intellectual creations
Plagiarism = Taking credit for someone else's work
Digital Divide = Gap in access to technology
E-Commerce = Buying and selling electronically
Privacy = Protect personal information
Fraud = Deception for gain
HTTPS + Encryption = Helps secure online communication
One-Line Revision
Be respectful, respect intellectual property, protect privacy, follow software licences, avoid plagiarism and fraud, and use the Internet responsibly.
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