Legislation

Question 1

The Computer
Misuse Act
(CMA) 1990

Answer 1

offence to:
* access data without permission, e.g. looking at
someone else’s files
* access computer systems without permission,
e.g. hacking
* alter data stored on a computer system without
permission, e.g. writing a virus that deliberately
deletes data

Question 2

The Freedom of
Information Act
2000

Answer 2

People have a right to know about the activities of
public authorities, unless there is a good reason
for them not to have this information.

Question 3

The Regulation
of Investigatory
Powers Act
(RIPA) 2000

Answer 3

Regulates the powers of public bodies to carry out
surveillance and investigation. It also regulates the
interception of communications.
The Act provides clear legal guidelines for
organisations, such as the security services and
the police, to carry out surveillance and access
the digital communications of individuals, such as
email, telephone calls, text messages etc.

Question 4

The Data
Protection Act
(DPA) 2018

Answer 4

The DPA applies to all ‘personal data’. Personal
data is classed as any information relating to a
person who can be directly or indirectly identified
and so it needs to be protected.