Legal Impacts of Digital Technology
Revise Legal Impacts of Digital Technology for GCSE Computer Science with this free worksheet and full mark scheme — Foundation and Higher exam-style questions with worked answers. Legal impacts include unauthorised access to systems and the responsibilities that come with holding personal data.
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These worksheets and mark schemes are original, written for Virtus Academy and checked against the current AQA specification. Every worksheet comes with a full mark scheme.
Topic overview
Four pieces of legislation are required, and each should be matched to the situation it governs.
The Data Protection Act governs how organisations collect, store and use personal data. It requires that data is accurate, kept only as long as needed, held securely, and used only for the stated purpose. Individuals have the right to see the data held about them.
The Computer Misuse Act makes unauthorised access to computer material an offence, with greater penalties where the intent is to commit a further crime or to modify data. The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act protects creative works from being copied without permission. The Freedom of Information Act gives the public the right to request information held by public authorities.
Revision notes
The Data Protection Act
Governs how organisations collect, store and use personal data.
Data must be accurate, kept only as long as necessary, held securely, and used only for the stated purpose. Individuals may request to see the data held about them.
The Computer Misuse Act
Makes unauthorised access to computer material an offence.
Penalties increase where the intent is to commit a further offence, or where data is modified without permission. This is the law that makes hacking illegal even when no damage is done.
Copyright and Freedom of Information
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act protects creative works — software, music, images, text — from being copied without permission.
The Freedom of Information Act gives the public the right to request information held by public authorities such as councils and government departments.
Key points
- The Data Protection Act governs personal data.
- Data must be accurate and held securely.
- Individuals can see data held about them.
- The Computer Misuse Act covers unauthorised access.
- Copyright law protects creative works.
- Freedom of Information covers public authorities.
Worked examples
Example 1
Name the Act that makes unauthorised access to a computer system an offence. [1 mark]
Working
Example 2
State two requirements the Data Protection Act places on organisations. [2 marks]
Working
Example 3
A student downloads a film without paying. Name the Act broken and explain. [2 marks]
Working
Common mistakes
Confusing the Data Protection Act with the Computer Misuse Act.
Data Protection governs handling personal data; Computer Misuse covers unauthorised access.
Naming an Act without explaining the breach.
Say what was done and why it breaks that Act.
Applying Freedom of Information to private companies.
It applies to public authorities.
Saying hacking is only illegal if damage is done.
Unauthorised access alone is an offence.
Exam tips
- Match the Act to the specific situation.
- Explain what was done as well as naming the law.
- Remember Freedom of Information covers public bodies only.
- Note that unauthorised access alone is an offence.
Key terms
- Data Protection Act
- Legislation governing the handling of personal data.
- Computer Misuse Act
- Legislation making unauthorised access an offence.
- Copyright
- Legal protection for creative works.
- Freedom of Information Act
- The right to request information from public authorities.
Related topics
Written and reviewed against the current AQA specification. Spotted an error? Let us know.