While all professions have ethical and professional responsibilities, computer
professionals face some unique challenges due to the nature of their work.
Focus on Public Impact:

Doctors and lawyers primarily focus on the well-being of their individual clients.

Computer professionals, however, have a broader responsibility to consider the
potential impact of their work on the public good. This includes things like
security, privacy, and unintended consequences of technology.
Unforeseen Consequences:

A doctor's treatment plan or a lawyer's legal advice might have negative side
effects, but the potential issues are usually well-defined.

The world of technology is constantly evolving, and the long-term effects of a
new system or software can be difficult to predict. Computer professionals need
to be extra cautious about potential risks.
Shared Responsibility:

A doctor's diagnosis or a lawyer's casework is usually the result of their individual
expertise.

In complex computer projects, the work is often divided among a team. This
means computer professionals need to emphasize clear communication,
collaboration, and ensuring everyone involved acts ethically.
Rapid Change:

The field of computer science is constantly changing, with new technologies
emerging all the time.

This means computer professionals need to be adaptable and constantly update
their knowledge to stay ethical and relevant.
Of course, there's also overlap. All professionals should be honest, trustworthy, and
respect confidentiality. But computer professionals have an extra layer of responsibility
due to the far-reaching impact of technology in today's world.
Edward Snowden and the ACM Code of Ethics: A Whistleblower's Case
The ACM Code of Ethics (short form) emphasizes principles like:

Public Good

Honesty and Transparency

Use of Software in a Socially Responsible Manner
Edward Snowden's Actions:
Snowden leaked classified information revealing government surveillance programs.
This arguably:

Exposed a Threat to Public Good: The public had a right to know about
potential privacy violations.

Prompted Transparency: The leaks sparked discussions about government
surveillance.

However, he went against the law by leaking classified information.
The ACM code encourages ethical reporting of unethical practices. Whether Snowden
is considered a whistleblower depends on your perspective:

If you see him as exposing wrongdoing, his actions align with the spirit of the
code.

If you see him as breaking the law, his actions violate a professional's
responsibility to follow legal guidelines.
The ethical complexity of Snowden's case highlights the challenges computer
professionals face. They must weigh the potential benefits to society against following
the law and company policies.