Role of Ethics in Software Development in 2025

Ethics hasn’t always been at the top of the list in software development. In the past, software didn’t affect every part of our lives the way it does today. Now, whether it’s social media, banking, healthcare, or even entertainment, software is everywhere. The rise of big data and AI means that what developers build can have huge effects on people’s lives. It’s a lot of responsibility. 

Even though developers often work behind the scenes, the decisions they make can shape how society functions. That’s why developers need to think about the ethical issues that come up while building software.  

Let’s explore what these Software Engineering Ethics are and how you can include these in the software development process.  

What is the Code of Ethics in Software Engineering? 

Ethics for Software Engineers means making choices that respect user privacy, promote fairness, and help society. It’s about ensuring the products you build help the people who use them. In software development, ethics touch every part of the process—from planning and designing to coding, testing, and beyond. The decisions you make at each stage can have a huge impact on the safety and security of users, as well as their trust in your product. 

For someone working in a fast-paced environment with clients from around the world, ethical choices are crucial. This is where the Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice comes in. It’s a set of principles that guide engineers in making the right decisions. 

Here’s a Breakdown of the Eight Key Principles 

Public  

Always think about the public interest when developing software. 

Client and Employer  

Look out for the best interests of your client and employer, but never at the expense of the public’s welfare. 

Product  

Ensure the software you create is held to the highest professional standards. 

Judgment  

Stay independent and maintain your integrity when making professional decisions. 

Management  

If you’re leading a team, you have a responsibility to promote ethical practices in software development and maintenance. 

Profession  

Help build the integrity and reputation of software engineering as a respected profession. 

Colleagues  

Treat your coworkers fairly and support them. 

Self  

Commit to continuous learning and always strive to be a better, more ethical professional. 

Why Code of Ethics in Software Engineering are Important 

1. Benefit the Public 

When engineers stick to a code of Software Engineering Ethics, it helps ensure that the products they create are for the good of society. Without ethical guidelines, things can spiral out of control—people might get hurt, or the software could be used in harmful ways. For example, a developer handles sensitive user data daily. Ensuring that his code doesn’t expose personal information or leave users vulnerable is essential for maintaining trust and doing right by people. 

2. Meet Professional Standards 

Personal values are important, but they’re not enough. Software Engineering Code of Ethics helps engineers justify their work and ensure its responsibility.  

For example, if you are working on a healthcare app, you might need to think about how to protect user privacy or ensure the app gives reliable advice.  

3. Provide High-Quality Software 

Good Ethics for Software Engineers lead to good software. It’s that simple. High-quality software isn’t about functionality—it’s about safety, security, and protecting the people who use it. Whether you are working on a banking system or a healthcare app, the products need to do more than just work. They need to protect users, respect their privacy, and avoid causing harm. 

The Role of Code of Ethics in Software Engineering 

For developers each step in the development process, whether planning, designing, coding, testing, or maintaining, offers an opportunity to consider the ethical implications of his work. The choices made at every stage can directly affect users and, ultimately, society. So, how does Software Engineering Code of Ethics come into play throughout the development lifecycle? 

Ethics for Software Engineers: During the Planning Phase 

In the planning phase, it’s all about big-picture thinking. Before a single line of code is written, software engineers need to take a step back and think about who the software will impact. For example, you need to consider the potential risks involved in the software’s purpose. Does the project have the potential to harm certain groups of people? Could it be used to perpetuate bias or discriminate? 

During planning, you have to predict these risks and ask hard questions: “How could this software be misused?” or “Are there ethical concerns with how this product collects or handles data?” By thinking about these questions early, you can make sure the project aligns with Software Engineering Code of Ethics and meets the needs of different stakeholders without causing harm. 

Ethics for Software Engineers: During the Design Phase 

Once you move into the design phase, Software Engineering Ethics comes into play in a different way. Now it’s about user experience and ensuring the software is accessible to all. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making sure everyone can use the product easily, regardless of ability or background. 

You also need to consider the environmental impact of his design decisions. For example, are there ways to make the software more energy-efficient? Maybe he can improve performance to use fewer resources, reducing the software’s carbon footprint. This is an often-overlooked part of ethical software design, but it’s increasingly important in today’s world. 

And of course, privacy is key. You must ensure that user data is protected by design, with features like encryption or clear data policies baked into the interface. At this stage, the goal is to create something that’s not only functional but also fair, secure, and inclusive. 

Ethics for Software Engineers: During the Coding Phase 

Ethics still matter just as much when writing the code. You need to focus on writing clean, well-documented code—not just for the sake of good engineering, but because it’s the ethical thing to do. Well-organized code is easier to maintain and less prone to errors, which means fewer security vulnerabilities and bugs that could hurt users. 

On top of that, you should always prioritize security. This means implementing strong encryption methods, building robust authentication systems, and ensuring the software is resilient against potential attacks. In a world where data breaches are all too common, ethical coding involves doing everything possible to protect user information. 

Ethics for Software Engineers: During the Testing Phase 

Software testing isn’t just about catching bugs—it’s about ensuring that the software is reliable, fair, and secure. Testing is a key moment to find potential flaws or vulnerabilities that could harm users. It’s also the time to check for biases in algorithms or systems. For instance, if the software relies on machine learning, you need to ensure the model isn’t skewed toward biased outcomes. 

Thorough testing, including stress tests and ethical reviews, ensures that the product doesn’t just work but works in a way that protects users and respects their rights. Ethical testing involves leaving no stone unturned, making sure the software is free from risks that could cause damage down the line. 

Ethics for Software Engineers: During Maintenance 

Once the software is live, the ethical responsibilities don’t stop. You must stay on top of ongoing maintenance to ensure the software meets ethical standards. This means responding quickly to vulnerabilities, fixing bugs, and addressing user feedback. 

As new software technologies and standards appear, you also need to adapt. Ethical software maintenance involves keeping up with evolving regulations, privacy standards, and softwrae best practices. 

Tips for Ethical Software Development 

1. Ask Yourself How the Software Could Be Misused 

Every time you start a new project, it’s important to ask, “How could this software be misused?” Don’t assume that your product will only be used as intended. Things can evolve, and misuse can happen in ways you never expected.  

Take Twitter, for example. It was built to help people share ideas and information, but it’s also been used to spread misinformation during major global events like the pandemic. As a software engineer, make it a habit to think through the possible negative uses of your software—both at the start and during updates—and plan ways to reduce those risks. 

2. Be Honest About Your Intent 

Transparency is key. If your product’s goal is to connect people for a specific reason, be clear about it.  

For example, if you're building a dating app, don’t advertise it as something else just to attract more users. Being upfront with your audience builds trust. If the vision changes, keep your users and stakeholders in the loop.  

Make sure they understand how and why the software is evolving. Working closely with other teams can help ensure that the product is always used for its intended purpose and that no one is misled. 

3. Avoid Biases 

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of creating something new, but enthusiasm can sometimes cloud judgment. Take a step back and ask yourself if there’s a chance, you’re missing something important.  

Could there be hidden biases in the data you're using? Are you being fair to all potential users? Don’t hesitate to bring in a second opinion if you’re unsure. Also, building a diverse team can help surface perspectives you might overlook, ensuring that the product serves a broad range of users without unintentionally discriminating against any group. 

4. Take Accountability for the Software 

If your software succeeds, celebrate it! But don’t shy away from taking responsibility when things go wrong. It’s your job to correct mistakes, address bugs, and fix security issues as quickly as possible.  

Transparency matters here, too—always keep your clients and stakeholders in the loop when something goes wrong and let them know what steps are being taken to address it. Being accountable not only protects your reputation but also helps maintain the integrity of the software engineering profession. 

5. Act as a Responsible Citizen 

As a software engineer, you have a unique opportunity to do good, but your work can also cause harm if not carefully considered. Always think about the broader impact of your software before moving forward. Are you confident that it’s safe? Does it pass all necessary tests?  

If not, don’t push it out the door. You can also take your role as a responsible citizen a step further by volunteering your skills to causes that matter, contributing to open-source projects, or helping communities with tech-related challenges. 

Common Ethical Dilemmas for Software Engineers 

1. Addictive Design 

Some apps are designed to keep users hooked, and that can quickly become an ethical problem, especially on social media. Tristan Harris, a former Google design ethicist, has been very vocal about how tech companies profit from addiction and manipulation. The more time you spend scrolling, the more money they make—but at what cost? 

Take Duolingo and TikTok. Duolingo encourages people to keep up with daily lessons, but it lets you go once you’ve done your work. TikTok? It’s a never-ending stream, always pulling you back for more. Developers need to ask, “Who benefits from this design? Are we helping people, or just hijacking their attention?” 

If you’re building an app, think carefully about the balance. Is your app truly benefiting users, or just holding their attention for as long as possible? That’s the ethical line you need to walk. 

2. Corporate Ownership of Personal Data 

Data is powerful. It lets companies know more about their users than ever before. But that power can easily be abused. Every time we use an app or service, there’s a trade-off—our data for the convenience of the app. The ethical question for developers is: What happens to that data? 

A lot of companies see user data as a goldmine and want to sell it or use it to make money. Vidyo, a video conferencing platform, decided not to go that route. They don’t offer free tiers in exchange for data because they want to avoid that ethical dilemma. They’d rather sell their service than exploit user data. 

If you’re a developer, it’s important to know how your company is using data. And if something feels off, there should be a way for you to voice those concerns without fearing backlash. Transparency within the team and organization is key to making sure everyone’s on the same page. 

3. Algorithmic Bias 

Bias in algorithms is a huge ethical issue. AI systems are only as good as the data they’re trained on, and if that data is biased, so are the results. This can have serious consequences in areas like healthcare or hiring, where decisions made by algorithms affect real people’s lives. 

Think about Google’s image recognition software—it struggled with accurately identifying darker skin tones, leading to concerns about racial bias. The problem? The data used to train the AI wasn’t diverse enough. Developers need to be constantly asking, “Where is this data coming from? What’s missing?” 

It’s not just about building a product that works; it’s about making sure the product works fairly for everyone. Developers should speak up if they see potential bias, and companies should encourage that kind of open conversation. 

4. Weak Cybersecurity and Protecting User Data 

Security is often something developers worry about after a product launches. But by then, it’s too late. When security is an afterthought, users are the ones who suffer. Just think of the Anthem breach in 2015. Sensitive medical information wasn’t encrypted, which made it easy for hackers to steal and use. If developers had prioritized security early on, that data would have been much harder to access. 

Good security must be built into the product from day one. It’s not just about plugging holes after they’re discovered—it’s about making sure those holes never exist in the first place. Developers should always be thinking about how to protect user data, not just how to add new features. 

5. Overemphasis on Features 

There’s always pressure to add new features to keep users engaged. But just because you can build a feature doesn’t mean you should. Some development teams get so caught up in pushing out new capabilities that they forget to think about how those features will affect users. 

Imagine working on an app that collects more data than it needs just to add a new feature. Is that data necessary? Or is it putting users at risk? Before adding something new, developers should ask themselves, “Does this actually make things better for the user, or are we just adding more complexity?” 

Companies need to set the tone here. If the focus is on cranking out features at the expense of safety or privacy, it’s only a matter of time before things go wrong.  

Best Practices for Software Engineering Ethics 

No single code of Software Engineering Ethics can cover the vast range of challenges and contexts in software development. Different organizations and professions should craft their own internal policies, procedures, and best practices.  

However, these codes can be shaped by reflecting on essential norms that guide ethical practice across the board. 

Keep Ethics in the Spotlight  

Ethics shouldn’t be confined to a compliance checklist. Ethical considerations should be part of every phase of technological development because legal compliance and ethical behavior are not always the same. Ethics is about doing what’s right, not just what’s required by law.  

Focus on the People Behind the Technology  

Technology affects people’s lives in profound ways. Developers must consider the impact of their work on human lives—whether it’s related to financial data, social relationships, or physical well-being. Ethical tech development means recognizing the real human impact of your work. 

Consider Risks Beyond Your Immediate Scope  

Ethical responsibility doesn’t end with shipping a product. Developers must think about the long-term risks and how their work could be used or misused downstream. This includes keeping an eye on issues that arise after release and maintaining open communication across teams and departments. 

Engage with Non-Technical Stakeholders  

Non-technical actors are often affected by technology in ways developers may not foresee. Keeping a mindset of empathy for those who are less tech-savvy can help reduce harm and improve user experience. 

Understand the Broader Ecosystem  

Technology does not exist in a vacuum. Developers should be aware of how their work interacts with other technologies and the societal context. For example, developers of medical software should consider who else might use the data they handle and for what purposes. 

Manage the Gap Between User Expectations and Reality  

Developers must be careful not to oversell the safety or effectiveness of their products. Transparency is key in managing user expectations and ensuring that users are not left vulnerable by promises the technology cannot keep.  

Avoid the Hype  

While technology is powerful, it is not a magic fix for all social problems. The over-hyping of tech as a solution to every challenge can lead to disappointment and missed opportunities for more practical, non-technical solutions. 

Establish Clear Chains of Responsibility  

Teams must have clear structures of accountability to ensure that ethical practices are followed. Everyone should know who handles ethical oversight in each part of a project to prevent ethical breaches from falling through the cracks. 

Recognize Technology as a Conditional Good  

Technology is not inherently good or bad—it depends on how it’s used. Developers should ensure their products are used responsibly and not become tools for harm, like data over-collection or enabling surveillance. 

Prepare for Crisis  

Ethical developers plan for worst-case scenarios, from security breaches to system failures. Disaster planning makes technology safer by preparing for unexpected situations and understanding how systems behave under stress. 

Prioritize Autonomy, Transparency, and Trustworthiness  

Users should have control over their data and understand the risks they face. Developers need to build products that respect user autonomy and are transparent in how they run, ensuring trust is maintained. 

Consider Disparate Impacts  

Technology can inadvertently harm vulnerable communities. Developers must actively audit for disparate impacts and consider how their products may affect different groups in different ways. 

Design for Privacy and Security  

Privacy and security should be built into the design process from day one. Whether handling personal data or creating infrastructure, these concerns cannot be treated as afterthoughts. 

Make Ethics Standard and Iterative  

Ethical practice should be continuous and evolve over time. It’s not a one-time check—it’s a process of learning, adapting, and improving to meet new ethical challenges as technology changes. 

Model and Advocate for Ethical Practices  

Lead by example. Seek mentors who exemplify ethical tech practices, and in turn, become a mentor who raises the ethical standards of the industry. Collaborating with others who share this vision can help improve the overall standards of the field. 

Final Note: Software Engineering Ethics 

Ethical software development matters now more than ever. The Code of Ethics in Software Engineering is a guide that helps developers make decisions that protect user privacy. 

It ensures fairness and creates tech that positively affects society.  

At Prioxis, we follow these practices in all our projects. We make sure that our work meets the highest standards, and we always put the user first. Our team follows the ethics for software engineers by thinking about privacy, fairness, and security at every step. We commit to these values, we’re not only creating better software, but also a better future. 

As we move forward, it’s clear that the choices made in software development shape the world around us. By sticking to these ethical principles, we can build software that’s secure, inclusive, and benefits everyone.