Unit 1: Page 38: Legislation Protecting Users And Data

Question 1

List the seven types of legislation that affects the use of IT systems.

Answer 1

-Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
-Consumer Rights Act 2015
-Police and Justice Act 2006 (Computer Misuse)
-Computer Misuse Act 1990
-The Copyright (Computer Programs) Regulations 1992
-The Health and Safety (Display Equipment) Regulations 1992
-Data Protection Act 2018 (an extension to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR))

Question 2

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

Answer 2

Protects the rights of creators of original pieces of work (e.g. music, video, books). This prevents others distributing this work without the copyright holder’s permission.
Breach of the act incurs. penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment and unlimited. fines.

Question 3

Consumer Rights Act 2015

Answer 3

This covers consumer rights regarding goods and services, including digital content.

Consumers have the right to repair, replacement or refund for faulty digital content.

Question 4

Police and Justice Act 2006 (Computer Misuse)

Answer 4

This act is an amendment to the Computer Misuse Act so that it covers denial of service attacks (DoS). (A DoS aims to disrupt an IT system, e.g. a web server, and prevent user access.)
The maximum sentence for a DoS attack is 10 years in prison.

Question 5

The Copyright (Computer Programs) Regulations 1992

Answer 5

It makes company board directors liable to prosecution for allowing. illegally copied software to be used in their organisation.
This extends the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act to include computer programs.

Question 6

The Health and Safety (Display Equipment) Regulations 1992

Answer 6

These regulations require organisations to make sure that display equipment, e.g. computer monitors, meet health and safety standards.
Failure to meet the regulations is punishable by up to two years imprisonment and unlimited fines.

Question 7

Give three reasons why legislation is needed in IT systems.

Answer 7

• Legislation ensures compliance.
• It encourages and builds trust in systems.
• Ubiquitous computing means our virtual lives are as important to us as our real lives.

Question 9

Give the benefits of legislation for individuals, society and organisations

Answer 9

• Individuals they can trust systems and be sure their personal data is protected.
• Society the use of powers is transparent and clear.
• Organisations their reputation is ensured.