Legal Obligations

This week, I am going to write about legal obligations of the using computer systems, by explaining the different laws, which prohibit the use of computer systems in a certain way. I will address the main points of Computer Misuse Act 1990 and Data Protection Act 1998.

Computer Misuse Act 1990:

• Gain unauthorised access to a computer's software or data (hacking) - including the illegal copying of programs.

• Gain unauthorised access to a computer's data for blackmail purposes.

• Gain unauthorised access to a computer's data with the intention of altering or deleting it. This includes planting viruses. Copying programs illegally (software piracy)

• A conviction may lead to a fine and a 5-year prison sentence
• 
  

Data Protection Act 1998:

• Fairly and lawfully processed

• Processed for limited purposes

• Adequate, relevant and not excessive

• Accurate

• Not kept longer than necessary

• Processed in accordance with the data subject's rights

• Secure

• Not transferred to countries without adequate protection

Sources:

http://www.theteacher99.btinternet.co.uk/theteacher/gcse/newgcse/module8/task9.htm
http://www.mersey-gateway.org/server.php?show=ConNarrative.46