The most content-dense single subtopic in the entire syllabus — green computing solutions, AI for global good, privacy vs access, big data, digital heritage, cyber law, and the risks of the dark web all in one. Take this in sections.
Green Computing (building on 10.3.1): identify the negative environmental impact of computer use (e-waste, energy/resource consumption, carbon footprint of data centres) and propose solutions (energy-efficient hardware, renewable-powered data centres, recycling programmes, extending device lifespan).
Computers solving issues of global importance — using AI to detect patterns in large datasets for:
Effects of digital communication and technology on society:
Big data effects: sources and accumulation of massive datasets, and how organisations use big data analytics to drive decision-making (e.g. targeted advertising, predictive analytics, resource planning).
Broader social, political and environmental effects, e.g. Fake News — the deliberate spread of false information, often amplified rapidly through digital/social platforms, with real social and political consequences.
Privacy and information sharing issues — using cloud storage services (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox) and media (movies/music) raises questions about who can access shared content, how securely it's stored, and copyright/licensing implications.
Serious online harms to be aware of: cyberbullying, and the illegal distribution of child pornography or other harmful/explicit content — recognising these as both ethical and legal (criminal) issues.
South African laws relevant to IT (know the names and general purpose of each):
| Act | General purpose |
|---|---|
| Sexual Offences Act | Addresses sexual offences, including those facilitated or committed using digital technology |
| Protection from Harassment Act | Provides legal protection against harassment, including online/cyber harassment |
| Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT Act) | Regulates electronic communications and transactions, including e-signatures, cybercrime provisions, and consumer protection online |
| Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI/POPIA) | Regulates how organisations may collect, process, store and share individuals' personal information, giving people rights over their own data |
The danger of errors in computer-controlled equipment: incorrect code or hardware failure in systems controlling hospitals equipment, motor vehicles, or UAVs (drones) can directly threaten human safety and life — far higher stakes than a typical software bug.
Internet of Things (IoT) implications for security and privacy: every connected device is a potential entry point for attackers, and the vast amount of personal data IoT devices collect raises significant privacy concerns.
Deep and dark web — building on 12.2.3, discuss why the dark web presents real risks/dangers (illegal marketplaces, scams, exposure to harmful content, less accountability) and should generally not be used casually, but also note a legitimate application: providing access to information/social media/news for people in countries where such access is otherwise restricted or censored.
Implications and effects of cryptocurrencies: enables decentralised, borderless transactions and financial inclusion for the unbanked, but raises concerns around volatility, use in illegal transactions, energy consumption (for some cryptocurrencies' mining processes), and lack of regulatory oversight compared to traditional currency.
💡 Exam Tip
This subtopic is examined as multiple separate discussion questions rather than one giant essay — prepare short, focused answers (3–5 solid points) per bullet above rather than trying to memorise one long combined essay.