Class XI Computer Science – Unit 3: Society, Law and Ethics | 50 Important Subjective Questions

A digital footprint is the trail of data a person leaves behind while using the internet.

• Active footprint: Data intentionally shared by the user, such as posts, comments and uploaded photos.
• Passive footprint: Data collected without the user's direct knowledge, such as browsing history, IP address, cookies and location tracking.

A netizen is a responsible user of the internet who follows online etiquette and behaves ethically in digital spaces.

Three net etiquettes are:

1. Be respectful and avoid offensive language.
2. Do not spam or flood forums with repeated messages.
3. Respect others' privacy and time.

Communication etiquette refers to the manners followed while communicating digitally. It includes being precise, respectful and using appropriate language and tone.

Examples:

• Avoid writing in all capital letters because it may be perceived as shouting.
• Reply to emails and messages within a reasonable time.

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the human mind such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols and names that are legally protected.

• Copyright: Protects creative, literary and artistic works.
• Patent: Protects inventions.
• Trademark: Protects brand names, logos and symbols.

Open source software is software whose source code is publicly available for users to view, use, modify and distribute according to its license.

Two examples of licenses are GNU General Public License (GPL) and Apache License.

Cybercrime is any illegal activity carried out using a computer or network as a tool, target or means.

Four types are:

1. Hacking
2. Phishing
3. Cyberbullying
4. Ransomware attacks

Phishing is a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as passwords or card details by pretending to be a trustworthy person or organization.

A phishing email may be identified by:

• Suspicious sender address
• Urgent or threatening language
• Spelling or grammatical errors
• Suspicious or mismatched links

• Use HTTPS websites.
• Avoid clicking unknown links and pop-ups.
• Keep the browser and antivirus updated.
• Do not save passwords on public or shared computers.
• Use strong and unique passwords.

Identity theft is the act of stealing someone's personal information, such as Aadhaar or bank details, to impersonate them for fraudulent purposes.

It can be prevented by:

• Avoiding unnecessary sharing of personal information.
• Using two-factor authentication.
• Monitoring bank statements regularly.
• Shredding physical documents containing personal data.

E-waste refers to discarded electronic devices such as old phones, computers and batteries.

Proper disposal is important because e-waste may contain toxic substances such as lead and mercury. Improper disposal can contaminate soil and water, while responsible recycling helps recover valuable materials.

1. Donate working electronic devices for reuse.
2. Hand over e-waste to authorized recyclers or collection centres.
3. Do not throw electronic waste into regular household garbage.

The Information Technology Act, 2000 is a major Indian law dealing with cybercrime and electronic commerce. It provides legal recognition to electronic transactions and digital signatures and defines provisions and penalties for various cyber offences.

Cyberbullying is the use of digital platforms to repeatedly harass, threaten or humiliate someone.

Example: Repeatedly sending abusive messages to a classmate on social media or spreading false rumours about the person online.

Cyber trolls deliberately post inflammatory or provocative comments to upset or provoke reactions from others, often anonymously.

Cyberbullying generally involves targeted and repeated harassment of a particular individual.

Technology can help bridge gaps through assistive tools such as screen readers and voice typing and by promoting equal access to digital resources.

However, technology may also widen the digital divide if devices and digital resources are not inclusive, accessible and affordable.

Confidentiality means ensuring that personal or sensitive information is accessible only to authorized people and is not disclosed to unauthorized parties.

Adware is software that automatically displays unwanted advertisements, often bundled with free software.

Unlike a virus, adware generally does not replicate or directly damage files. Its primary purpose is displaying advertisements, although some variants may also track user behaviour.

Innovation: Open source allows people to view, modify and improve source code collaboratively. This encourages innovation and wider access to software.

Security risk: Publicly available source code can also be examined by malicious users to identify vulnerabilities. Some projects may also have limited resources for timely security updates.

No. Stricter laws can create deterrence and provide a legal mechanism for punishment, but they are not sufficient by themselves.

Cybercrime also requires digital awareness, strong technical security measures, responsible online behaviour and cooperation between law-enforcement agencies.

The statement is incorrect. The fact that content can be viewed freely online does not automatically mean that it can be copied or reused without restrictions.

Copyright may protect online content. Users should check the applicable license and provide attribution where required.

The individual has direct responsibility for creating and posting harmful content.

The platform has responsibility for maintaining effective moderation systems, enforcing community guidelines and responding appropriately to reported harmful content.

A person may have access to a device and internet connection but may still lack the skills required to use technology safely and effectively.

For example, a person may own a smartphone but may not know how to identify phishing messages, protect privacy settings or use assistive technologies.

The reasoning is incorrect. Common practice does not make an action ethically or academically correct.

Code shared online may have licensing conditions, and using substantial portions of someone else's work without acknowledgment can amount to plagiarism or academic dishonesty.

Environmental concern: Improper e-waste disposal can release harmful substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium into soil and water.

Social justice concern: Informal and unsafe recycling practices may expose vulnerable communities and workers to hazardous substances and unsafe working conditions.

Yes. Technology continuously introduces new tools, platforms and methods of attack, while legislation generally takes time to develop and adapt.

For example, technologies such as AI-generated deepfakes can create realistic fake audio and video that may be used for fraud, misinformation or defamation. Cyber laws therefore need to evolve with emerging technologies and threats.