Unit 6 - Consequences of Computing Flashcards
Define an ethical issue
Issues that relate to a groups’ sense of right and wrong and that affect the set of moral values by which society functions
Define a moral issue
Factors that are concerned with an individual’s behaviours and what they view as being right or wrong
Define cultural issue
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
Define legal issues
Issues that are affected by the law
Name 6 pieces of government legislation that are relevant to computers
- Data Protection Act (GDPR)
- Computer Misuse Act
- Communications Act
- Regulations of Investigatory Powers
- Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
- Freedom of Information Act
Date for the Data Protection Act
1998
Why do we have the Data Protection Act
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
What does the Freedom of Information Act say?
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)
Why was the Freedom of Information Act introduced?
To provide more openness between the public and government agencies
How oversees the Data Protection Act and the Freedom of Information Act?
The Information Commissioner
Who is the Information Commissioner?
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
Why was the Computer Misuse Act introduced?
To prevent hacking
What three offences does the Computer Misuse Act cover?
- Unauthorised access to computer programs or data
- Unauthorised access with further criminal intent
- Unauthorised modification of computer material
What is the downside to the Computer Misuse Act?
The actions and abilities of hackers are developing quicker than the legislation can
Why was the RIP act introduced?
To define the powers of government agencies when investigating a crime
What two things does the RIP act say the police can do?
- Intercept information if there is suspected criminal activity
- Decrypt intercepted information if it is encrypted
Why is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act necessary?
It defines the rights of creators of materials to allow the control over the way in which the material is used
What types of material does the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act cover?
Computer programs, web content, musical works, sound recordings, films and videos
Define copyright
The legal ownership that applies to software, music, films and other content
What does the Communications Act cover?
It defines what can and cannot be sent to other people using forms of electronic communication .e.g. death threats
What are 6 aspects of computer use that can be viewed as a cultural issue because they impact our attitudes, beliefs and actions?
- Over use of data
- Invasive technologies
- Over reliance on computers
- Over reliance on technology companies
- ‘Big brother’ culture
- Globalisation
How is over use of data a cultural issue?
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
How are invasive technologies a cultural issue?
We can be unaware of the data being collected about us from things such as Zoopla and Google StreetView
How is over reliance on computer a cultural issue?
Because of how well integrated computer systems are in our lives the malfunction of a computer system can result in physical danger and death
