1.6 – Ethical, legal, cultural and environmental impacts of digital technology

Question 1

What does legislation refer to

Answer 1

Legislation refers to the laws that everyone must follow, and these laws are enacted by the government of a country.

Question 2

What is the Data Protection Act 2018, and what does it regulate regarding data handling?

Answer 2

The Data Protection Act 2018 is legislation governing how data should be collected, stored, and appropriately disposed of. It sets out eight key principles that must be adhered to in data processing.

Question 3

How did the Data Protection Act 2018 change in 2018, and what was included in the update?

Answer 3

In 2018, the law was updated to include GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which focuses on how data is gathered and managed for any EU citizen, regardless of the data’s storage location. GDPR enhances data protection measures.

Question 4

What does GDPR stand for, and what is its scope in terms of data protection?

Answer 4

GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It extends the scope of data protection to cover the gathering and management of data for any citizen in the European Union, irrespective of where the data is stored.

Question 5

What are the eight key principles outlined in the Data Protection Act 2018?

Answer 5

Data should be processed fairly and lawfully, without deception.
Data should only be used for the specified purpose.
Data should be relevant and not excessive.
Data should be accurate and kept up to date.
Data should only be retained for as long as necessary.
Individuals have the right to access and correct the data held about them.
Data must be kept secure.
Data cannot be transferred outside the EU unless the destination country has adequate data protection laws.

Question 6

Why is compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018 important for companies holding data?

Answer 6

Companies holding data must comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 to avoid prosecution, including potential fines. Non-compliance can result in legal consequences.

Question 7

What is the Computer Misuse Act 1990, and what does it address regarding computer usage?

Answer 7

The Computer Misuse Act 1990 is legislation designed to regulate the use of computers, particularly in preventing unauthorized access, hacking, and activities that could cause damage or incite crime.

Question 8

What are the three levels outlined in the Computer Misuse Act 1990, and what do they cover?

Answer 8

Level 1 – Unauthorised access to computer material.
Level 2 – Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate further offenses.
Level 3 – Unauthorised modification of computer material.

Question 9

What specific activities does the Computer Misuse Act 1990 make illegal?

Answer 9

The act makes activities such as hacking, unauthorized access to data, and the creation and spreading of viruses illegal.

Question 10

What are the potential consequences for breaking the Computer Misuse Act 1990?

Answer 10

Consequences for violating the act can range from a £1000 fine to an unlimited fine, along with the possibility of imprisonment.

Question 11

How does the Computer Misuse Act 1990 contribute to preventing cybercrimes?

Answer 11

The act serves to deter and prosecute individuals engaging in unauthorized access, hacking, and other activities that could compromise computer systems and data, thereby preventing cybercrimes.

Question 12

What does the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 aim to protect, and how does it achieve this?

Answer 12

The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 is designed to protect the ideas and creations of individuals or companies. It achieves this by granting patents to ideas or products, preventing others from using them without permission.

Question 13

How does the act apply to music artists, and what does patenting songs entail?

Answer 13

Music artists patent their songs before releasing them, preventing unauthorized downloading of the songs without permission. This legal protection requires individuals to obtain permission and often pay for the music.

Question 14

What is Creative Commons Licensing, and how does it relate to the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988?

Answer 14

Creative Commons Licensing is a standardized way of granting copyright permission. It allows the author to retain copyright while permitting others to copy, distribute, and make use of their work. This falls under the framework of the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988.

Question 15

How does the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 contribute to preventing unauthorized use of intellectual property?

Answer 15

By granting patents and legal protection, the act prevents others from taking someone’s idea or creation and passing it off as their own, thereby reducing unauthorized use of intellectual property.

Question 16

What is one negative impact of Computer Science on the environment related to the use of natural resources?

Answer 16

The use of natural resources to create digital devices, such as silicon, is a concern because these resources, once depleted, cannot be replenished. The demand for digital devices contributes to the depletion of resources like silicon.

Question 17

How does the production and usage of digital devices contribute to environmental issues, specifically in terms of energy consumption?

Answer 17

The production of digital devices and the energy required to power them often rely on large amounts of energy, frequently generated through the burning of fossil fuels. This contributes to environmental problems, including global warming and air pollution.

Question 18

What environmental impact is associated with the disposal of old electronic devices, and what harmful chemicals are released during this process?

Answer 18

Disposing of old electronic devices contributes to environmental pollution, releasing harmful chemicals such as mercury found in batteries. When these devices break down in landfills, these chemicals can contaminate the environment, affecting food and water supplies for animals and potentially causing harm or death.

Question 19

How has the development of Computer Science positively impacted environmental sustainability in terms of paper usage?

Answer 19

The development of Computer Science has contributed to a reduction in paper usage, leading to a positive impact on the environment by decreasing the need for cutting down trees.

Question 20

In what way does Computer Science technology provide positive contributions to environmental monitoring, and what specific examples can be mentioned?

Answer 20

Computer Science technologies have improved environmental monitoring, enabling more accurate predictions of environmental changes. Examples include better weather forecasting and enhanced capabilities to predict events such as volcanic eruptions.

Question 21

How has the development of Computer Science contributed to the concept of the ‘digital divide,’ and what is the impact of this phenomenon on different parts of the world?

Answer 21

The development of Computer Science has widened the digital divide, creating a gap between those who have access to technology and the internet and those who do not. This disparity is more evident in wealthier countries where technology is readily available, while poorer countries may lack access, leaving people in those regions at a disadvantage.

Question 22

In what ways has the advancement of Computer Science led to increased stress and potential harm, and can you provide examples to illustrate this impact?

Answer 22

The development of Computer Science has contributed to increased stress and potential harm, particularly through phenomena like cyberbullying. Easy access to technology has facilitated cyberbullying, causing distress and, in extreme cases, leading to self-harm or suicide. Additionally, the ability to work remotely has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, causing additional stress for individuals.

Question 23

How does restricted internet access in some countries impact their citizens, and can you provide an example of a country known for heavily restricting internet access?

Answer 23

Some countries restrict internet access to control their image, prevent unrest, or curb illegal activities. For example, North Korea is known for heavily restricting internet access, limiting citizens’ freedom to access information and express opinions online.

Question 24

How has the development of Computer Science positively impacted global communication and connections among people?

Answer 24

The development of Computer Science has facilitated global communication, enabling people to connect and share experiences with individuals worldwide. This has allowed individuals to stay in touch with family members living at great distances and share meaningful experiences with them.

Question 25

In what ways has the advancement of Computer Science created new opportunities in areas such as gaming, and can you provide an example of a specific development in this field?

Answer 25

Advances in Computer Science, particularly in gaming, have opened up new opportunities such as the emergence of e-sports. E-sports provide individuals with the chance to excel in a field distinct from traditional sports or academia, creating a unique avenue for competition and achievement.

Question 26

How has the spread of digital devices to remote and impoverished areas positively influenced access to information for institutions like hospitals and schools?

Answer 26

The spread of digital devices to the poorest and most remote parts of the world has allowed institutions such as hospitals and schools to access information shared globally. This widening of knowledge enhances learning opportunities and helps institutions in these areas stay informed about advancements in their respective fields.