Legal & Ethical Issues

Question 1

What is the Data Protection Act?

Answer 1

Governs the use of personal data stored by companies to ensure safety and that it is not passed onto other people

Question 2

Name at least 4 Principles of the Data Protection Act

Answer 2

Data must be processed legally
Data should be safe and secure
Data must be accurate and kept up to date
Data must be used for a specific purpose
Data should be kept for a suitable length of time
Data should be the minimum required for the purpose
Data subjects should be able to see data stored about them
When transferring data, countries need similar laws to the Data Protection Act.

Question 3

What does Computer Misuse Act does?

Answer 3

It’s illegal to gain unauthorised data E.g. Hacking
It’s illegal to gain unauthorised access and commit crimes E.g. hacking to steal credit card details
It’s illegal to change data without permission E.g. Sending a virus

Question 4

What does the Health & Safety Act does?

Answer 4

Employers are responsible for health and safety of workers
All stations should be inspected regularly for risks
Staff should be trained on health and safety matters
Eye tests should be provided to employees for free
Tasks should be changed or have a break regularly to prevent Repetitive Strain Injury

Question 5

What does the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act do?

Answer 5

Police can listen to phone calls
Police can see SMS messages
Police can access personal emails
Police can carry out surveillance to detect crime

Question 6

What does the Electronic Communications Act do?

Answer 6

Computer signatures are now binding like signatures on paper

Makes sure all encryption over the internet is carried out correctly