Unit 6 - Consequences of Computing

Question 1

Define an ethical issue

Answer 1

Issues that relate to a groups’ sense of right and wrong and that affect the set of moral values by which society functions

Question 2

Define a moral issue

Answer 2

Factors that are concerned with an individual’s behaviours and what they view as being right or wrong

Question 3

Define cultural issue

Answer 3

Factors that have an impact on the ways in which we function as a society and that affect groups of people with a common protected characteristic

Question 4

Define legal issues

Answer 4

Issues that are affected by the law

Question 5

Name 6 pieces of government legislation that are relevant to computers

Answer 5

1. Data Protection Act (GDPR)
2. Computer Misuse Act
3. Communications Act
4. Regulations of Investigatory Powers
5. Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
6. Freedom of Information Act

Question 6

Date for the Data Protection Act

Answer 6

1998

Question 7

Why do we have the Data Protection Act

Answer 7

It is used to ensure the safety of information of users of the Internet and it says that data must be:
1. Fairly and lawfully processed
2. Processed for limited purposes
3. Accurate
4. Not kept longer than necessary
5. Secure

Question 8

What does the Freedom of Information Act say?

Answer 8

It says that individuals have access to personal and non-personal data that is held by public authorities (schools, hospitals, emergency services etc.), this means these authorities have to oblige to requests for information unless there is an exceptional case (a crime is involved or it is a case of national security)

Question 9

Why was the Freedom of Information Act introduced?

Answer 9

To provide more openness between the public and government agencies

Question 10

How oversees the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act?

Answer 10

The Information Commissioner

Question 11

Who is the Information Commissioner?

Answer 11

This term refers to the person and their company and it is their job to promote good information handling practice and enforce the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act

Question 12

Why was the Computer Misuse Act introduced?

Answer 12

To prevent hacking

Question 13

What three offences does the Computer Misuse Act cover?

Answer 13

1. Unauthorised access to computer programs or data
2. Unauthorised access with further criminal intent
3. Unauthorised modification of computer material

Question 14

What is the downside to the Computer Misuse Act?

Answer 14

The actions and abilities of hackers are developing quicker than the legislation can

Question 15

Why was the RIP act introduced?

Answer 15

To define the powers of government agencies when investigating a crime

Question 16

What two things does the RIP act say the police can do?

Answer 16

1. Intercept information if there is suspected criminal activity
2. Decrypt intercepted information if it is encrypted

Question 17

Why is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act necessary?

Answer 17

It defines the rights of creators of materials to allow the control over the way in which the material is used

Question 18

What types of material does the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act cover?

Answer 18

Computer programs, web content, musical works, sound recordings, films and videos

Question 19

Define copyright

Answer 19

The legal ownership that applies to software, music, films and other content

Question 20

What does the Communications Act cover?

Answer 20

It defines what can and cannot be sent to other people using forms of electronic communication .e.g. death threats

Question 21

What are 6 aspects of computer use that can be viewed as a cultural issue because they impact our attitudes, beliefs and actions?

Answer 21

1. Over use of data
2. Invasive technologies
3. Over reliance on computers
4. Over reliance on technology companies
5. ‘Big brother’ culture
6. Globalisation

Question 22

How is over use of data a cultural issue?

Answer 22

Many people believe the we are becoming dependent on data as companies collect data about everyone they interact with and a lot of government decisions are based on data analysis

Question 23

How are invasive technologies a cultural issue?

Answer 23

We can be unaware of the data being collected about us from things such as Zoopla and Google StreetView

Question 24

How is over reliance on computer a cultural issue?

Answer 24

Because of how well integrated computer systems are in our lives the malfunction of a computer system can result in physical danger and death

Question 25

How is over reliance on technology companies a cultural issue?

Answer 25

Roughly 115 billion searches are done through Google per month which means they have a massive impact on the information the world accesses and what we see

Question 26

How is ‘Big brother’ culture a cultural issue?

Answer 26

Some people believe we are forced to modify our behaviour to fit expected standards due to the constant monitoring from large companies and the government through things such as CCTV, email and phone call monitoring and the desire for national ID cards

Question 27

How is globalisation a cultural issue?

Answer 27

The fact that the Internet has provided us with access to a range of other cultures is a good thing but it also means that we are more likely to be influenced by what other people do and try to influence others behaviour in turn through the utilisation of the Internet

Question 28

List some common protected characteristics

Answer 28

Religion, race, gender identity, sexuality, family, nationality, age, disability, sex, marital status and pregnancy or parental status

Question 29

Define unauthorised access

Answer 29

Where computer systems or data are used by people who are no the intended users

Question 30

What are areas of computing that relates to moral and ethical issues?

Answer 30

1. Personal privacy
2. Data security
3. Misuse of data
4. ‘Big brother’
5. Online profile
6. Profiling