Chapter 10 Digital Citizenship
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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Alternative-usage rights for software programs are typically
covered by the GNU General Public License (GNU GPL). The GNU
GPL grants all users the freedom to use, study, share, and modify the
software. The term open source applies to software that has had its
source code made available to the public at no charge. Open-source
software can be downloaded and used for free. It can be modifi ed
and distributed by anyone. However, part or all of the code of open-
source software may be owned by an individual or organization.
Electronic User’s Bill of Rights
The Electronic User’s Bill of Rights details the rights and
responsibilities of both individuals and institutions regarding the
treatment of digital information. It was originally proposed in 1993
by Frank W. Connolly of American University. It is modeled after
the original United States Bill of Rights, but it contains only four
articles. The articles contain guidelines for the appropriate use of
digital information. They are not legally binding. The articles in the
Electronic User’s Bill of Rights are:

Article I: Individual Rights

Article II: Individual Responsibilities

Article III: Rights of Educational Institutions

Article IV: Institutional Responsibilities
Article I: Individual Rights
Article I: Individual Rights focuses on the rights and freedoms of the
users of computers and the Internet. It states “citizens of the electronic
community of learners” have the right to access computers and
informational resources. They should be informed when their personal
information is being collected. They have the right to review and correct
the information that has been collected. Users should have freedom of
speech and rights of ownership for their intellectual property.
Article II: Individual Responsibilities
Article II: Individual Responsibilities focuses on the
responsibilities that come with the rights outlined in Article I. A citizen
of the electronic community is responsible for seeking information
and using it effectively. It is also the individual’s responsibility to
honor the intellectual property of others. This includes ensuring the
accuracy of information found electronically. A citizen of the digital
community is expected to respect the privacy of others. A digital
citizen is also expected to use electronic resources wisely.
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