How Legislation Affects Computer Users - Cambridge Nationals ICT

How Legislation Affects Computer Users - Cambridge Nationals ICT

1. Monitoring Of Individuals By Organisations

   • Cookies
     • Data files sent from a website and stored in a user's web browser while the user is browsing that website.
   • Key logging
     • Recording the keys pressed on a device
   • Mobile phone triangulation
     • Measures the distance of the device from cell towers to determine its position
   • Locating users using GPS
   • Electronic Consumer Surveillance
     • Checking of consumer habits
     • E.g. Buying patterns

2. Computer Misuse Act 1990

   • Protects against hacking
     • (unauthorised access to computer systems with intent to cause damage or alter data)
   • Protects users from:
     • Data misuse
     • Unauthorised data modification
     • Identity abuse
     • Chat room abuse
     • Indecent material

3. Data Protection Act

   • Data must be:
     • Fairly and lawfully processed
     • Accurate and up to date
     • Adequate and not excessive
     • Not kept for longer than necessary
     • Used only for the specified purpose
     • Protected in accordance with the user's rights
     • Not transferred to a country outside the EU unless its adequate protection can be ensured

4. Health and Safety at Work Act

   • States that:
     • Businesses must employ a health and safety officer
     • Staff must have appropriate work breaks
     • Equipment must be regularly tested
     • Health and safety codes and policies must be provided
     • All staff must be properly trained
     • Work environment must be appropriate

5. Copyright, Designs and Patents Act

   • States that:
     • It is illegal to copy, store and modify data without the owner's permission
     • It is illegal to sell copies of files without permission
     • Software piracy is illegal