Created in 1992, the Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics was inaugurated by the Computer Ethics Institute, an organization established in 1985 by members of other foundations such as IBM and The Brookings Institution ^[2]. Prior to its invention, the Computer Ethics Institute had planned to increase awareness of the various ethical dilemmas with the field of IT (Information Technology); as a result, the group conjured a code of behaviour consisting of ten distinctive principles that are still embraced in today's modern society. These concepts intend to restrict technology users from performing actions that harm other people or violate someone’s moral rights, and generally cover over topics such as the privacy of user information, plagiarism and the right to integrity, and the theft of personal property.

Each of the ten Commandments are as follows:


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