Legal Issues

Question 1

4 Laws =

Answer 1

1) Data Protection Act
2) Computer Misuse Act
3) Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
4) Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act

Question 2

Data Protection Act

Answer 2

Controls the way data about people is stored and processed. Storage and processing of personal details must:
1) Be fair and lawful
2) Relevant and not excessive
3) Accurate and up to date
4) Only kept as long as needed
5) Only be used for the stated purpose
6) Be kept securely
7) Handled in line with people’s rights
8) Not be transferred to countries without protection laws

Question 3

Computer Misuse Act

Answer 3

1) Unauthorised access to computer materials
2) Unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences
3) Unauthorised modification of computer files

Question 4

Examples of offences of the Computer Misuse Act

Answer 4

1) Spreading a virus
2) Attempting to log in without authorisation
3) Using someone else’s log in
4) Reading, changing or deleting data
5) Obtaining or creating a “packet sniffer”

Question 5

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act

Answer 5

Protects the intellectual property of an individual or company.
Makes it illegal to copy, modify or distribute software or other intellectual property without the relevant permission.

Question 6

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act

Answer 6

Legislates as to how organisations can monitor electronic communications.
Covers investigation, surveillance and interception of communication by public bodies.
Allows the Police and other public bodies to demand ISPs to provide access to a customer’s communications.