Introduction

Technology and the internet are now essential to human life. From communication and education to business and entertainment, almost everything is digitized. But with this digital growth comes challenges such as privacy risks, cybercrime, e-waste, and health hazards.
This unit explores the ethical, legal, environmental, and societal impacts of technology and helps students become responsible digital citizens.

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1. Digital Footprint

A digital footprint is the record of your online activities — everything you do on the internet leaves a trace.

Types of Digital Footprints

• Active Digital Footprint – Data you share deliberately.
  • Examples: Social media posts, filling forms, uploading resumes.
• Passive Digital Footprint – Data collected without your knowledge.
  • Examples: Browsing history, cookies, location tracking by apps.

Importance of Digital Footprint

• Helps build your online reputation (positive/negative).
• Employers often check candidates’ digital presence.
• Can impact college admissions and job opportunities.
• Can be misused for identity theft or fraud.

How to Maintain a Positive Digital Footprint

• Think before posting (nothing is truly deleted online).
• Use strong privacy settings.
• Avoid oversharing personal data.
• Google yourself regularly to monitor your footprint.

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2. Net and Communication Etiquettes (Netiquette)

Netiquette means following polite and responsible behavior while using the internet.

Rules of Netiquette

1. Be polite in emails, chats, and online forums.
2. Avoid trolling, flaming, and offensive language.
3. Use professional subject lines in emails.
4. Do not spread fake news or spam.
5. Respect others’ privacy — never share personal details without consent.
6. Credit original creators when sharing content.

👉 Example: Instead of writing ALL CAPS in a message (which looks rude), use proper sentence case.

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3. Data Protection

Data is valuable. Protecting it ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Methods of Data Protection

• Strong Passwords – Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Adds extra security.
• Encryption – Converts data into unreadable code.
• Regular Backups – Prevents data loss.
• Firewalls & Antivirus – Stops unauthorized access.
• Secure Wi-Fi – Avoids hacking via public networks.

Example: Using cloud backups (Google Drive, iCloud) ensures you don’t lose data even if your device crashes.

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4. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Intellectual Property Rights protect original creations from being copied or misused.

Types of IPR

1. Copyright – For literary works, books, music, films, and software.
   • Example: Copying songs/movies without permission is copyright violation.
2. Patent – Exclusive rights for inventions.
   • Example: A new drug formula.
3. Trademark – Protects brand names, logos, and slogans.
   • Example: Nike’s ✔️ logo.

Plagiarism

• Copying someone’s work without giving credit.
• Example: Submitting an article copied from Wikipedia as your own assignment.

Licensing

• Legal permission to use software.
• Types: Proprietary (paid) and Open Source (free).

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5. Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)

FOSS allows users to access, modify, and share source code.

Examples

• Operating System: Linux, Ubuntu
• Office Suite: LibreOffice
• Programming Languages: Python, PHP
• Database: MySQL

Benefits

• Free of cost
• Community-driven (bug fixes, updates)
• Customizable
• Encourages innovation

Difference: Proprietary vs FOSS

Proprietary Software	FOSS
Paid license required	Free to use
No source code access	Full access
Example: MS Office	Example: LibreOffice

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6. Cybercrime and Cyber Laws

What is Cybercrime?

Illegal activities using computers, networks, or the internet.

Types of Cybercrimes

• Hacking – Unauthorized access.
• Phishing – Fake emails/websites to steal data.
• Identity Theft – Stealing personal details.
• Cyberbullying – Online harassment.
• Financial Fraud – Online scams, credit card fraud.

Indian IT Act 2000

• Recognizes electronic transactions.
• Provides digital signatures legality.
• Defines penalties for hacking, data theft, and cyber fraud.
• Updated in 2008 for stronger cybercrime measures.

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7. E-Waste: Hazards and Management

What is E-Waste?

Discarded electronic devices like computers, phones, printers, TVs.

Hazards

• Toxic substances (lead, mercury, cadmium).
• Soil and water pollution.
• Health risks like respiratory issues, cancer.

Management

• Recycle and Refurbish devices.
• Donate old gadgets.
• Dispose responsibly in e-waste bins.
• Follow government e-waste rules.

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8. Health Concerns Related to Technology Usage

Physical Concerns

• Eye Strain – Long screen use (Computer Vision Syndrome).
• Back/Neck Pain – Poor posture.
• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) – Excessive typing/mouse use.

Mental Concerns

• Technology addiction.
• Lack of sleep (blue light effect).
• Anxiety & stress from social media overuse.

Precautions

• Follow 20-20-20 rule.
• Maintain good posture.
• Take regular breaks.
• Limit screen time.

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Summary of Key Points

• Digital footprint → Active & Passive.
• Netiquette → Online behavior rules.
• Data protection → Passwords, encryption, backup.
• IPR → Copyright, Patent, Trademark.
• FOSS → Free software with open source code.
• Cybercrime → Hacking, phishing, cyberbullying.
• IT Act 2000 → Cyber law in India.
• E-waste → Hazards & eco-friendly disposal.
• Health concerns → Eye strain, stress, posture issues.

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Practice Questions

MCQs

1. Which of the following is NOT a cybercrime?
   a) Phishing
   b) Hacking
   c) Blogging
   d) Identity theft
2. Which of these is an example of FOSS?
   a) Windows
   b) Photoshop
   c) Linux
   d) MS Office

Answer Key: 1–c, 2–c

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Short Answer Questions

1. Differentiate between plagiarism and copyright infringement.
2. Explain two methods of managing e-waste.
3. What is the difference between active and passive digital footprints?

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Long Answer Questions

1. Explain the importance of net etiquettes with examples.
2. Discuss cybercrimes and explain how the IT Act 2000 helps in controlling them.
3. Write a detailed note on health issues caused by excessive use of technology.

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Conclusion

As technology becomes deeply integrated into our daily lives, awareness about societal impacts is crucial. Students must learn to use technology ethically, safely, and responsibly to ensure a positive digital future.