Societal Impact Chapter Notes | Computer Science for Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Introduction

Digital technologies have brought about significant changes in our lives, making things more convenient, faster, and easier to manage. In the past, communication took time, but now, with emails and instant messaging, we can connect with multiple people instantly, improving our efficiency and productivity.

Various industries, such as banking, aviation, manufacturing, and e-commerce, heavily rely on computers and digital technologies for their operations. The widespread use of smartphones and high-speed Internet has further integrated digital technologies into our daily lives. The advent of personal computers, the Internet, and smartphones made these technologies accessible to everyone.

While digital technologies offer numerous benefits, they also have the potential for misuse. It is essential to understand their impact on society and adopt best practices to ensure a productive and safe digital environment.

Digital Footprints

Digital Footprints: Digital footprints are the trails of data we leave behind when we use the internet, consciously or unconsciously. They include everything from the websites we visit to the emails we send, and even the specific details about our devices like IP addresses and locations. Active vs. Passive Footprints:

• Active Footprints: These are the data we intentionally share online, such as posts on social media, emails, or comments on websites.
• Passive Footprints: This data is generated without our explicit intention, like when we visit a website or use an app that tracks our activity.

Growth of Digital Footprints: Everyone connected to the internet has a digital footprint, and it grows with increased usage. Browsers store our browsing history, cookies, passwords, and other data, contributing to this footprint. 

Storage and Control: Most digital footprints are stored on servers where applications are hosted. Users often do not have the ability to erase or control this data, and once it is generated, it can be difficult to eliminate completely. 

Caution Advised: Since digital footprints can be used to trace users, their locations, and device details, it’s important to be cautious about what we share online. Even if we try to delete our online activities later, the footprints may still remain.

Digital Society and Netizens

In today’s world, we are increasingly relying on digital technologies to manage our tasks. Our daily activities such as communication, social networking, banking, shopping, entertainment, education, and transportation are becoming more and more dependent on online transactions. This shift reflects the growing trend of using digital technologies in all aspects of human life.

However, as we engage in this digital society, it is important to be mindful of how we conduct ourselves online. We need to be aware of the ethics, morals, and values that guide our interactions with others. Anyone who uses digital technology along with the Internet is considered a digital citizen or a netizen. Being a good netizen means using digital technology safely, ethically, and legally.

A responsible netizen should follow net etiquettes, communication etiquettes, and social media etiquettes.

Net Etiquettes

Just like we follow certain etiquettes during social interactions in the real world, we need to exhibit proper manners and etiquettes while being online. This means being ethical, respectful, and responsible while surfing the Internet.

(A) Be Ethical

• No Copyright Violation: We should not use copyrighted materials without the permission of the creator or owner. This includes being careful while streaming audio or video or downloading images and files from the Internet.
• Share Expertise: It is good to share information and knowledge on the Internet, but we must ensure that we have sufficient knowledge on the topic before sharing. The information should be true and unambiguous, and we should verify that it is not already available on the Internet to avoid redundancy.

(B) Be Respectful

• Respect Privacy: As responsible digital citizens, we have the right to privacy and the freedom of personal expression. However, it is essential to recognize that other digital citizens also share these rights and freedoms. When we communicate with another digital citizen, our interactions may involve private images, documents, files, etc. We must respect this privacy and not share such content with others without mutual consent.
• Respect Diversity: In a group or public forum, we should honor and respect the diversity of individuals in terms of their knowledge, experience, culture, and other aspects.

(C) Be Responsible

• Avoid Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying involves insulting, degrading, or intimidating behavior online, such as spreading rumors, making threats, sharing personal information, sexual harassment, or publicly ridiculing someone. It means repeatedly targeting someone with the intent to hurt or embarrass them. Some new or infrequent Internet users might think that online actions have no real-world consequences, but we must understand that online bullying can have serious implications for the victim. Additionally, our actions can be traced back through our digital footprints.
• Don’t Feed the Trolls: An Internet troll is someone who intentionally stirs up trouble online by posting inflammatory or off-topic messages in an online community to provoke and upset people, purely for their amusement. Since trolls thrive on attention, the best way to discourage them is by ignoring their comments and not giving them the attention they seek.

Communication Etiquettes

Digital communication encompasses various forms such as email, texting, instant messaging, cell phone conversations, audio or video conferencing, and posting on forums and social networking sites. These methods are effective for connecting with others to exchange ideas, share information, and collaborate. However, to ensure effective communication in these digital spaces, it is essential for digital citizens to adhere to certain communication etiquettes.

(A) Be Precise

• Respect Time: Avoid responding to unnecessary emails or comments unless they are relevant to you. Similarly, do not expect an instant response, as the recipient may have other priorities.
• Respect Data Limits: To accommodate data and bandwidth concerns, avoid sending very large attachments. Instead, consider sending compressed files or sharing links to files stored in cloud services such as Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, or Yahoo Dropbox.

(B) Be Polite

• Regardless of whether communication is synchronous (e.g., chat, audio/video calls) or asynchronous (e.g., email, forum posts, comments), it is important to be polite and non-aggressive. Avoid using abusive language, even if you disagree with someone else's viewpoint.

(C) Be Credible

• Exercise caution when commenting, replying, or writing emails or forum posts, as these actions contribute to your credibility over time. People tend to follow certain individuals' forum posts based on their perceived credibility. On discussion forums, users often review a person's previous comments to assess their reliability before trusting their input.

Social Media Etiquette

In today's digital age, we are all familiar with various forms of social media and likely have accounts on platforms like Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube. Social media comprises websites or applications that allow users to engage in social networking by creating and sharing content with others in the community. These platforms encourage users to express their thoughts and experiences through posts or pictures, facilitating interaction with other online users. As a result, the impact and reach of social media have surged dramatically, influencing politics, business, culture, education, and more. However, there are certain etiquettes that we must adhere to while using social media.

(A) Be Secure

• Choose Password Wisely: Users of social networks must be cautious about their passwords. There have been instances of user data being breached or leaked from social networks, which highlights the importance of safeguarding accounts. At the very least, users should have strong passwords that are changed frequently. It is also crucial never to share personal credentials like usernames and passwords with others.
• Know Who You Befriend: Social networks often encourage users to connect with others, sometimes with people they don’t know or haven’t met. However, it is important to be careful when befriending unknown individuals, as their intentions could be malicious and unsafe.
• Beware of Fake Information: Fake news, messages, and posts are prevalent on social networks. Users should be vigilant and develop the ability to discern between genuine and fake information over time. It is essential not to blindly believe everything encountered on these platforms but to apply knowledge and experience to validate news, messages, or posts.
• Play Safe: Think carefully before sharing personal photos.

(B) Be Reliable

• Think Before Uploading: Almost anything can be uploaded to a social network, but users should remember that once something is uploaded, it remains on a remote server even if deleted. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when uploading or sending sensitive or confidential files that could impact privacy.

Data Protection

In today's digital world, protecting data is primarily about ensuring the privacy of information stored electronically. Sensitive data refers to elements that could cause significant harm, embarrassment, inconvenience, or unfairness to an individual if breached or compromised. This includes biometric information, health records, financial details, and other personal documents, images, audio, or video files. To safeguard the privacy of sensitive data, measures such as encryption, authentication, and other secure methods are employed. These techniques ensure that such data is accessible only to authorized users and for legitimate purposes.

Different countries have their own data protection policies or laws that govern the processing, storage, and transmission of sensitive information. These legal documents provide guidelines to users and aim to protect sensitive information from unauthorized modification or disclosure.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Just as owning a house or a motorcycle signifies property ownership, coming up with a new idea means owning intellectual property. Intellectual Property encompasses inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and logos. The creator or holder of this intellectual property has the rights to it, allowing them to earn recognition or financial benefits from their creation or invention. Intellectual Property is protected by law through mechanisms such as copyrights, patents, and trademarks.

(A) Copyright
Copyright provides legal protection to creators for their original works, which include writing, photography, audio recordings, videos, sculptures, architectural designs, computer software, and other forms of creative expression such as literary and artistic creations.

Activity:

• Suggesting a Stronger Password: A stronger password could be "T3chn0l0gy!2023," which includes uppercase letters, numbers, and a special character for added security.
• Importance of Mentioning Sources: Always mentioning the source of ideas or resources used in a project or write-up is crucial to give credit to the original creator, avoid plagiarism, and maintain academic integrity. It also helps readers verify the information and understand the context better.

Executing IPR for Software:

• Copyright: The code of the software is protected by copyright, which grants the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and create derivative works based on the code.
• Patent: The functional expression of the idea behind the software is protected by a patent, which gives the inventor exclusive rights to use and commercialize the patented functionality.
• Trademark: The name and logo of the software are protected under a registered trademark, which prevents others from using similar marks that could confuse consumers.

Copyright Basics

• Copyrights are automatically granted to creators and authors when they produce original works.
• Copyright law provides the copyright holder with a set of exclusive rights, including:
• Right to Copy: Reproduce the work.
• Right to Create Derivative Works: Make adaptations or modifications.
• Right to Distribute: Share copies with the public.
• Right to Public Display or Performance: Show or perform the work publicly.
• These rights prevent others from using, copying, or selling the work without permission.
• For instance, writer Rudyard Kipling holds the copyright to his novel, "The Jungle Book," which means others cannot use parts of it without his permission.
• To use copyrighted material, one must obtain a license from the copyright holder.

(B) Patent

• A patent is typically granted for inventions. Unlike copyright, where protection is automatic, inventors must apply for a patent to protect their invention. When a patent is granted, the owner receives exclusive rights to prevent others from using, selling, or distributing the protected invention. This gives the patent holder full control over how the invention can be used by others, encouraging inventors to share their scientific or technological discoveries.
• A patent protects an invention for a period of 20 years, after which the invention enters the public domain and can be used freely by anyone. This system of patenting not only recognizes and rewards inventors but also creates an environment that fosters further creativity and innovation by providing the necessary motivation for more scientific and technological advancements.

(C) Trademark
A trademark encompasses any visual symbol, word, name, design, slogan, label, or other distinctive feature that sets apart a brand or commercial enterprise from others. For instance, only Nike has the right to use its trademark to sell shoes or clothing. Trademarks prevent other companies from using similar marks that could confuse consumers, such as the example of "Nikke," which is too similar to "Nike." However, it might be possible to register a similar trademark for unrelated products, like notebooks.

Violation of IPR

(A) Plagiarism
Plagiarism refers to the act of presenting someone else’s ideas or work as one’s own. With the ease of copying and sharing information on the Internet, it has become crucial to give proper credit to original creators. Plagiarism occurs when:

• Copying content from the Internet without mentioning the source.
• Deriving an idea or product from an existing one and presenting it as new without proper attribution.

Even using content that is open for public use requires citing the author or source to avoid plagiarism. It is considered a serious ethical offense and sometimes viewed as fraud. Plagiarism undermines the integrity of original work and creativity.

(B) Copyright Infringement
Copyright infringement occurs when someone uses another person's work without permission or payment, if it is for sale. For example, if we download an image from the Internet and use it in our project without the copyright owner's permission, even with proper attribution, it constitutes copyright violation. Just because something is available on the Internet does not mean it is free to use. Therefore, it is essential to check the copyright status of a writer's work before using it to avoid plagiarism.

(C) Trademark Infringement
Trademark Infringement refers to the unauthorized use of someone else's trademark on products and services. The owner of a trademark has the right to take legal action against anyone who infringes on their registered trademark.

Public Access and Open Source Software

• Copyright can sometimes restrict the use of copyrighted works by others. However, when others are allowed to use and build upon existing work, it fosters collaboration and leads to new innovations in the same field. Licenses provide rules and guidelines for using existing work. When authors share their copyrighted works under a public license, it permits others to use and even modify the content. Open-source licenses facilitate contributions to existing work or projects without requiring individual permission.
• The GNU General Public License (GPL) and Creative Commons (CC) are popular public license categories. CC is used for various creative works such as websites, music, film, and literature. It enables the free distribution of copyrighted material when authors want to allow sharing, use, and modification of their work. GPL, primarily designed for software, grants users the freedom to run, study, share, and modify software, along with regular updates.
• Users or companies that distribute works licensed under the GPL (General Public License) can charge a fee for copies or offer them for free. This is a key difference between the GPL and freeware software licenses like Skype or Adobe Acrobat Reader, which allow copying for personal use but prohibit commercial distribution, or proprietary licenses that forbid copying altogether due to copyright law.
• Many proprietary software programs that we use are sold commercially, and their source code is not shared or distributed. However, there are certain software programs available for free, along with their source code, which is open for anyone to access, modify, correct, and improve. Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) has a large community of users and developers who continuously contribute to adding new features or improving existing ones. For instance, Linux kernel-based operating systems like Ubuntu and Fedora fall under FOSS. Some popular FOSS tools include office packages like Libre Office and browsers like Mozilla Firefox.
• Software piracy refers to the unauthorized use or distribution of software. Those who purchase a license for a copy of software do not have the rights to make additional copies without the permission of the copyright owner. Software piracy is a form of copyright infringement, regardless of whether it is done for sale, free distribution, or personal use. It is important to avoid software piracy because using pirated software not only degrades the performance of a computer system but also impacts the software industry and, consequently, the economy of a country.

Cyber Crime

Cyber crime refers to criminal activities conducted in a digital environment, where either the computer is the target or a tool used to commit the crime. These crimes can be directed against individuals, groups, organizations, or even countries, with the intent to cause physical harm, financial loss, or mental distress.

Cyber criminals exploit computers and networks to disable or damage data and services, spread viruses and malware, and steal private information for blackmail and extortion. A computer virus consists of malicious code that replicates itself, causing harm by destroying or corrupting data, while malware is designed to gain unauthorized access to computer systems. The prevalence of cyber crimes is increasing, with reports of hacking, ransomware attacks, denial-of-service, phishing, email fraud, banking fraud, and identity theft on the rise.

Hacking

Hacking involves unauthorized access to a computer, network, or digital system, often by individuals with technical expertise who exploit vulnerabilities in hardware or software.

• Ethical Hacking: When hacking is performed with positive intent, it is known as ethical hacking. Ethical hackers, or white hat hackers, specialize in identifying vulnerabilities in software to improve security. They may test websites for security weaknesses and report their findings to the owners, helping to protect against potential cyber attacks.
• Non-Ethical Hacking: Non-ethical hackers, or black hat hackers, seek unauthorized access to systems with the intent to steal sensitive data and cause damage.

Cyber crime encompasses activities where a computer is the medium of the crime (such as hacking, phishing, and spamming) or used as a tool to commit crimes (like extortion, data breaches, and theft).

Click on the image to view the video on Cyber Crimes

Cyber Crime and Cyber Safety

Cyber Crime is a crime committed using a computer and the internet. It is a crime in which a computer is used as a tool to commit illegal activities. Cyber Crime can be broadly categorized into two categories:

• Crime where the computer is the target.
• Crime where the computer is used as a tool.

1. Crime where the computer is the target.

• Hacking: Hacking is the unauthorized access to a computer system or network to steal, modify or destroy data. Hackers use various tools and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems and gain unauthorized access.
• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks: A DoS attack is an attempt to make a computer or network resource unavailable to its intended users by overwhelming it with traffic. This can be done by sending a large volume of requests to a server, causing it to crash or become unresponsive.
• Virus and malware attacks: Viruses and malware are malicious software programs designed to harm or disrupt computer systems. They can be used to steal data, damage files, or take control of a computer remotely.
• Phishing: Phishing is a technique used by cybercriminals to trick users into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers. This is done by sending fake emails or creating fake websites that look legitimate.
• Identity theft: Identity theft is the unauthorized use of someone’s personal information to commit fraud. This can include opening credit accounts, making purchases, or obtaining loans in someone else’s name.

2. Crime where the computer is used as a tool.

• Cyberstalking: Cyberstalking is the use of the internet to harass or threaten someone. This can include sending threatening emails, posting defamatory comments on social media, or using GPS tracking to monitor someone’s movements.
• Online fraud: Online fraud includes a wide range of activities such as auction fraud, advance-fee fraud, and credit card fraud. Cybercriminals use various tactics to deceive victims into sending money or providing personal information.
• Intellectual property theft: Intellectual property theft involves stealing someone’s intellectual property such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights. This can include copying software, music, and other digital content without permission.
• Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying is the use of the internet to bully or harass someone. This can include spreading rumors, posting embarrassing photos, or threatening someone online.

(A) Cyber Safety

Cyber safety refers to the practices and precautions taken to protect oneself from cyber threats while using the internet. With the increasing reliance on technology and the internet for various activities, it has become crucial to ensure safety and security in the digital world.

Here are some important aspects of cyber safety:

• Strong Passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for all online accounts. A strong password should include a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or names.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or email, along with the password.
• Be Cautious with Emails: Be wary of suspicious emails, especially those asking for personal information or containing links. Phishing attacks often use fake emails to trick users into revealing sensitive information.
• Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Use secure and password-protected Wi-Fi networks. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities such as online banking or shopping, as these networks can be vulnerable to attacks.
• Regular Software Updates: Keep all software, including operating systems, antivirus programs, and applications, up to date. Regular updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
• Be Mindful of Personal Information: Be cautious about the personal information shared online, especially on social media. Adjust privacy settings to limit the visibility of personal information to only trusted contacts.
• Use Reputable Security Software: Install and use reputable security software to protect against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats. Regularly scan devices for potential threats.
• Backup Data: Regularly backup important data to secure locations, such as external hard drives or cloud storage. This ensures data can be recovered in case of a cyber incident.

By following these cyber safety practices, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber threats and ensure a safer online experience.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of cyber crime where an attacker gains unauthorized access to a computer and restricts the user's access to their data, typically by encrypting it. The attacker then demands a ransom from the victim to restore access to their data. In some cases, the attacker may threaten to publish personal and sensitive information or photographs unless a ransom is paid.

Ransomware can be downloaded when users visit malicious or insecure websites, or when they download software from dubious repositories. Some ransomware is distributed through email attachments in spam messages, while others can infiltrate a system by clicking on malicious advertisements online.

Combatting and Preventing Cyber Crime

To mitigate the challenges posed by cyber crime, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek legal assistance when necessary. Here are some safety measures to reduce the risk of cyber crime:

• Regularly back up important data to prevent loss in case of an attack.
• Use antivirus software and ensure it is always up to date to protect against malicious software.
• Avoid installing pirated software and only download software from reputable and secure (HTTPS) websites.
• Keep system software, including internet browsers and other applications, up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Refrain from visiting or downloading content from untrusted websites to minimize risk.
• Pay attention to browser alerts regarding suspicious websites with unverified security certificates and avoid visiting such sites.
• Use strong and unique passwords for web logins, changing them periodically. Avoid using the same password for multiple websites and incorporate a mix of alphanumeric characters and special characters. Steer clear of common words or names in passwords.
• When using someone else's computer, do not allow the browser to save passwords or auto-fill data, and consider browsing in a private window.
• Digital signatures, which are the electronic equivalent of paper certificates, can enhance security. These signatures rely on a unique digital ID issued by a Certified Authority (CA) and authenticate the user's identity when signing a document.
• Be cautious about agreeing to cookie usage on unknown sites when prompted.
• Conduct online transactions, such as shopping and ticketing, only through well-known and secure websites to ensure safety.

Indian Information Technology Act (IT Act)

The rapid growth of the Internet has led to an increase in cyber crimes, frauds, cyber attacks, and cyber bullying. The nature of these fraudulent activities and crimes is constantly evolving. To address these threats, many countries have implemented legal measures to protect sensitive personal data and safeguard the rights of Internet users. In India, the Information Technology Act, 2000, which was amended in 2008, provides guidelines for the processing, storage, and transmission of sensitive information.

Cyber Cells and Legal Framework

• In various Indian states, police stations have established cyber cells where individuals can report incidents of cyber crime.
• The IT Act establishes a legal framework for electronic governance by recognizing electronic records and digital signatures. It also outlines different types of cyber crimes and the corresponding penalties for these offenses.

Cyber Appellate Tribunal

• The Cyber Appellate Tribunal has been set up to resolve disputes related to cyber crimes, such as:
• Tampering with computer source documents
• Hacking into computer systems
• Using someone else's password without permission
• Publishing sensitive personal data of individuals without their consent

Importance of the IT Act

• The IT Act is essential for enabling secure online transactions, such as credit card payments, by protecting against misuse.
• It also empowers government departments to accept, file, create, and store official documents in digital format.

Impact on Health

With the increasing penetration of digital technologies into various fields, we find ourselves spending more time in front of screens, whether it's on mobile phones, laptops, desktops, televisions, gaming consoles, or music devices. However, interacting with these devices in an improper posture can have detrimental effects on both our physical and mental well-being. Moreover, excessive time spent on the Internet can lead to addiction and negatively impact our overall health.

These health concerns can be mitigated to some extent by being mindful of how we position these devices and how we maintain our posture while using them. Ergonomics is a scientific discipline that focuses on designing and arranging workplaces, including furniture, equipment, and systems, to ensure safety and comfort for users. By applying ergonomic principles, we can reduce the strain on our bodies, minimizing fatigue and the risk of injuries associated with prolonged use.

When we engage in activities such as watching, typing, chatting, or playing games on a screen for extended periods, our eyes are constantly exposed to the glare emitted by these devices. This issue is exacerbated when using small handheld devices. Eye strain has become a common complaint among users of digital devices due to this prolonged exposure.