Computing Related Legislation

Question 1

What are the Four Computer Related Legislation

Answer 1

• The Data Protection Act
• The Computer Misuse Act
• The Copyright, Design and Patents Act
• The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act

Question 2

Describe what the Data Protection Act covers

Answer 2

• This laws applies to information stored both on computers and in organised paper filing systems
• This laws also covers personal data which is any data which can be used to identify a living person and data which can be used in combination with other data to identify a living person (a data subject)

Question 3

What eight ways does the Data Protection Act say that Data must be stored

Answer 3

• Fairly and Lawfully - all personal data shall be processed fairly and lawfully
• Purpose - personal data shall be obtained only for one or more specified and lawful purpose
• Relevent - personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive for its purpose(s)
• Accurate - personal data shall be accurate and where necessary kept up to date
• Time - personal data shall not be kept for longer than is necessary for its purpose(s)
• Rights - personal data shall be processed in accordance with the rights of data subjects under this Act
• Damage - 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
• Europe - 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 4

What does the Data Protection Act give the right for data subjects do

Answer 4

• The right to request a copy of the data held about them
• The right to correct the data held about them
• The right to prevent marketing using contact details provided by the data subject
• As of 2018, The Act has been replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation

Question 5

What was the Data Protection Act replaced with

Answer 5

The Data Protection Act has been replaced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018

Question 6

Describe what the Computer Misuse Act covers

Answer 6

• Concerns the malicious use of computers
• Originally created to ensure that computer hacking was covered by law but has since been frequently updated

Question 7

What three primary offences are covered in the Computer Misuse Act

Answer 7

• Unauthorised access to computer materials
• Unauthorised access with intent to commit further offence
• Unauthorised modification of computer material
• The second and third offences are generally worse than the first, with each offence being punishable with imprisonment

Question 8

Describe what the Copyright, Design and Patents Act covers

Answer 8

• Brought in to protect people’s property online
• Covers works like logos and music recordings
• Copyright automatically applies to original works
• Copyright doesn’t expire until 70 years after the death of the creator, although this period is dependent on the type of work
• The Act was extended in 1992 to include computer programs

Question 9

Describe what the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act covers

Answer 9

• Covers investigation and surveillance by public bodies
• Enforces internet service providers and mobile phone companies to give up information upon request from an authorised authority
• Ensures that ISP’s networks have sufficient hardware installed to facilitate surveillance
• Particularly controversial as its powers extend to small agencies like local councils
• Some people feel that the Act is an invasion of privacy
• Some people feel that the Act is often improperly used