SAGE-AU Code of Ethics
In a very short period of time, computers have become fundamental to the organisation of societies world-wide; entrenched at every level of human communication from government to the most personal. Computer systems are not simply constructions of hardware - rather, they are generated from an intricate interrelationship between administrators, users, employers, other network sites, and the providers of software, hardware, and national and international communication networks.
The demands upon the people who administer these systems are wide-ranging. As members of that community and of the System Administrators' Guild of Australia (SAGE-AU), we have compiled a set of principles to clarify some of the ethical obligations and responsibilities undertaken by practitioners of this newly emergent profession.
We intend that this code will emphasise, both to others and to ourselves, that we are professionals who are resolved to uphold our ethical ideals and obligations. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the computer systems we manage, for the benefit of all of those involved with and affected by them.
No single set of rules could apply to the enormous variety of situations and responsibilities that exist: while system administrators must always be guided by their own professional judgement, we hope that consideration of this code will help when difficulties arise.
(In this document, the term "users" refers to all people with authorised access to a computer system, including those such as employers, clients, and system staff.)
You can also download a printable version of the SAGE-AU Code of Ethics
.
As a member of SAGE-AU I will be guided by the following principles:
1. Fair Treatment
I will treat everyone fairly. I will not discriminate against anyone on grounds such as age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion, race, or national origin.
2. Privacy
I will access private information on computer systems only when it is necessary in the course of my duties. I will maintain the confidentiality of any information to which I may have access. I acknowledge statutory laws governing data privacy such as the Commonwealth Information Privacy Principles
.
3. Communication
I will keep users informed about computing matters that may affect them - such as conditions of acceptable use, sharing of common resources, maintenance of security, occurrence of system monitoring, and any relevant legal obligations.
4. System Integrity
I will strive to ensure the integrity of the systems for which I have responsibility, using all appropriate means - such as regularly maintaining software and hardware; analysing levels of system performance and activity; and, as far as possible, preventing unauthorised use or access.
5. Cooperation
I will cooperate with and support my fellow computing professionals. I acknowledge the community responsibility that is fundamental to the integrity of local, national, and international network resources.
6. Honesty
I will be honest about my competence and will seek help when necessary. When my professional advice is sought, I will be impartial. I will avoid conflicts of interest; if they do arise I will declare them.
7. Education
I will continue to update and enhance my technical knowledge and management skills by training, study, and the sharing of information and experiences with my fellow professionals.
8. Social Responsibility
I will continue to enlarge my understanding of the social and legal issues that arise in computing environments, and I will communicate that understanding to others when appropriate. I will strive to ensure that policies and laws about computer systems are consistent with my ethical principles.
9. Workplace Quality
I will strive to achieve and maintain a safe, healthy, productive workplace for all users.
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