Cambridge IGCSE 0478 · Topic 5 · 5.3

Ethical, Legal &
Environmental Impacts

Privacy · Copyright · Digital Divide · E-waste · Carbon Footprint

CSZoneCambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478

Ethical Issues

The Right and Wrong of Technology

Privacy: companies collect vast amounts of personal data. Ethical concerns about surveillance, data profiling, and targeted advertising without full user consent.

Digital divide: unequal access to technology between wealthy and less wealthy nations/individuals — deepens inequality in education and opportunity.

AI bias: AI systems trained on biased data can produce discriminatory outcomes (e.g. in recruitment, lending, facial recognition).

Automation and job displacement: robots and AI replace human jobs, particularly in manufacturing and routine tasks.

Legal Issues

Laws Protecting People Online

Copyright law: protects creators' work — software, music, images, text. Illegal to copy or distribute without permission. Piracy is a criminal offence.

Data protection legislation: laws like GDPR require organisations to store personal data securely, obtain consent, and allow individuals to request their data be deleted.

Computer misuse laws: unauthorised access, introducing malware, DoS attacks are criminal offences

Environmental Issues

Technology's Impact on the Planet

Carbon footprint: data centres use enormous amounts of electricity; cloud computing and streaming services are major energy consumers

E-waste: discarded electronic devices contain toxic materials (lead, mercury). Must be properly recycled to avoid environmental damage.

Manufacturing impact: rare earth metals needed for chips and batteries; extraction causes environmental damage.

Benefits: remote working reduces commuting; sensors optimise energy use; paperless systems reduce deforestation.

Exam Practice

Have a go at this question

Cambridge IGCSE 0478 style

Describe two environmental impacts of increasing use of computers and the internet.

4 marks

Data centres consume large amounts of electricity [1] contributing to carbon emissions and climate change [1]. E-waste from discarded devices contains toxic substances [1] which can contaminate soil and groundwater if not properly recycled [1].

Key Takeaways

What to Remember

Ethical: privacy, digital divide, AI bias, job displacement by automation

Legal: copyright protects creative work; data protection laws (GDPR) protect personal data

Environmental: high energy use of data centres; e-waste; rare earth mining impacts

Technology also has environmental benefits: remote work, sensor-based efficiency, paperless systems