The legislation protecting computers and their users

Examples

Conclusion

The Consumer Rights Act (2015)

Without these laws, no one would be safe using a computer. Data would be stolen, people would be monitored and we wouldn't be able to do half the things we can do now. These laws are what allow us to be confident in even the small things, like making a purchase online. The knowledge that breaking them leads to serious punishment is a comfort to us and a deterrent to those who would try.

The main issue with this act is the fact that it is so easy for large companies to overlook the safety of workers. Sometimes these breaches are intentional but sometimes they are just unfortunate accidents.

The consumer rights act was put in place to combine all of the previous acts. its purpose was to consolidate and update the laws to make them more relevant to modern computing. It also implemented some new ideas, such as a legal basis for refunding digital products.

Example

The Computer Misuse Act (1980)

The computer misuse act was put in place to prevent hacking. The crimes covered by this act prevents the following:

• Unauthorized access access to computer material
• Unauthorized access with the intent to commit or facilitate commission of further offences
• Unauthorized acts with the intent to impair, or with recklessness as to impairing, operation of a computer

The Data Protection Act (1998)

The data Protection act includes 8 principles. these include:

• Processed data shall be processed fairly and lawfully
• Personal data shall be obtained for limited, specifically stated purposes
• Personal data shall be adequate, relevant and not excessive
• Personal data shall be accurate and, when necessary, kept up to date.
• Personal data shall be kept for no longer than is necessary
• Personal data shall be processed according to the peoples data protection rights

Example

Microsoft Vs Apple

Introduction

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988)

The Health and Safety Regulations

Computers are essentially the cornerstone of modern life. They affect our businesses, our free time and our social lives. In fact, they have so much control over our lives, messing with our devices can be the easiest way to destroy it. That is why we need laws to govern computers and the people that use them.

This act was put in place to protect "the creators of original works". The act covers books, music, films and most other media. Copyrights can last from 25 years after publishing (for books) to 70 years after the artists death (for songs). The punishment for copyright infringement is usually a cash settlement. However, extreme cases can lead to prison time

This act was designed to ensure that employees working IT related jobs are treated fairly. It includes:

• Businesses performing risk assessments
• Employees receiving adequate breaks and training
• Employees getting a yearly visual examination
• Employees being aware of the possible risks related to their jobs

Example

The legislation protecting computers and their users