> Is there any path for software engineers to reach this level of accountability and norms
Potentially controversial stance here, but most software engineers are not engineers. They study computer science, which doesn't include coursework on engineering ethics among other things. I would say that by design they are less prepared to make ethical decisions and take conservative approaches.
Imagine if civil engineers had EULAs for their products. "This bridge has no warranty, implied or otherwise. Cross this bridge AT YOUR OWN RISK. This bridge shall not be used for anything safety critical etc."
Potentially controversial stance here, but most software engineers are not engineers. They study computer science, which doesn't include coursework on engineering ethics among other things. I would say that by design they are less prepared to make ethical decisions and take conservative approaches.
Imagine if civil engineers had EULAs for their products. "This bridge has no warranty, implied or otherwise. Cross this bridge AT YOUR OWN RISK. This bridge shall not be used for anything safety critical etc."