1.5.1 - Computing Related Legislation

Question 1

What are the four computing related laws?

Answer 1

The Data Protection Act 1998.
The Computer Misuse Act 1990.
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Question 2

What does the Data Protection Act 1998 do?

Answer 2

It protects people’s personal data when it is collected by a company.

Question 3

How many conditions of the Data Protection Act are there?

Answer 3

8

Question 4

Name four of the eight conditions of the Data Protection Act.

Answer 4

1. Personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully.
2. Personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purpose.
3. Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive for its purpose(s).
4. Personal data shall be accurate and where necessary kept up to date.
5. Personal data shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for its purpose(s).
6. Personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects
   under this Act.
7. Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be taken against
   unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or
   destruction of, or damage to, personal data.
8. Personal data shall not be transferred to a country or territory outside the European
   Economic Area, unless that country or territory
   ensures an adequate level of data protection.

Question 5

What else does the Data Protection Act provide?

Answer 5

Users have the right to request a copy of the data held about them, the right to correct data held about them and the right to prevent marketing using their contact details.

Question 6

What does the Computer Misuse Act 1990 concern?

Answer 6

The Computer Misuse Act concerns the malicious use of computers.

Question 7

What are the three offences of the Computer Misuse Act?

Answer 7

1. Unauthorised access to computer materials.
2. Unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences.
3. Unauthorised modification of computer material.

Question 8

What does the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 concern?

Answer 8

People’s online intellectual property.

Question 9

How is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act enforced?

Answer 9

The Act is automatically applied to any creative work published on the Internet.

It is the job of the individual to pursue the act if they believe that someone has copied their work.

Question 10

What does the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 cover?

Answer 10

It legally gives certain government bodies the power to demand that internet users reveal encryption keys, require ISPs to provide data about people as well as ensure that ISPs fit surveillance equipment to monitor people.