Code, Ethics, and Consequences: The Extent of Liability of ICT Professionals



                       Written by JohnpaulPelaex in 




  ICT Professionals: More Than Just Tech Experts

In a fast-paced digital world, ICT professionals — programmers, system administrators, cybersecurity specialists, and IT technicians — play crucial roles in building and securing systems we use every day. But what happens when something goes wrong? Can they be held legally responsible?

The answer is: Yes.

  Extent of Liability: Why It Matters

ICT professionals can be civilly, criminally, or administratively liable if their actions lead to:

  • Data breaches due to negligence

  • Software vulnerabilities left unpatched

  • Privacy violations (ex: leaking user info)

  • Illegal access or tampering with data

  • Complicity in cybercrimes (ex: insider attacks)

Even if unintentional, lack of due diligence can cause massive damage — from financial losses to the destruction of public trust.

   Relevant Laws That Apply:

  1. Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (RA 10175) – covers unauthorized access, data interference, system misuse

  2. Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173) – enforces protection of personal data

  3. Intellectual Property Code (RA 8293) – addresses software piracy, code theft

  4. Anti-Wiretapping Law (RA 4200) – prohibits recording of communications without consent

  5. E-Commerce Act of 2000 (RA 8792) – promotes accountability in digital transactions

    ICT professionals are bound not just by skill, but by legal and ethical responsibility.

   Reflection: My Realization as a Future ICT Professional

As a BSIT student, I once helped configure a school server and accidentally caused a 4-hour outage. Though it was not a crime, it taught me an important lesson: accountability matters.

I realized ICT professionals hold invisible power that affects lives, privacy, and trust. We must:

  • Practice ethical coding

  • Never ignore bugs or security issues

  • Be transparent and honest in our roles

  • Study the laws that govern our field

  • Always ask permission before acting

"With great access comes great accountability."

    Cases in the News

  • In 2023, a Philippine-based IT employee was charged for intentionally leaking confidential client data.

  • A freelancer faced legal threats for using pirated plugins in a client’s e-commerce website.

  • A government IT staff was suspended for failing to secure voter registration systems, causing major data loss.

    How We Can Be More Responsible

  • Read and follow the Data Privacy Act and Cybercrime Law

  • Take part in ethical hacking trainings or seminars

  • Report system flaws and never cover them up

  • Always get user consent when handling personal data

  • Encourage companies to develop ICT Code of Conduct

     Citations / References:

      Suggested Layout / Graphics Ideas

  •  Flowchart: “If You’re an ICT Professional, Are You Liable?”

  •  Infographic: “5 Laws Every IT Graduate Must Know”

  •  Screenshot or poster of “Code of Ethics for ICT Professionals”

  •  Quote graphic: “Negligence is not an excuse in cybersecurity.”







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