The document summarizes key British computer legislation. The Data Protection Act governs how personal information is stored and accessed, requiring consent and limiting use to the original purpose. The Copyright, Design and Patent Act protects inventors' and designers' work. The Computer Misuse Act criminalizes hacking to access computers and planting viruses.

1. Computer Legislation

2. Computer Legislation With many of our private and confidential records being stored on computer databases, laws and regulations had to be brought in to govern the access and storage. All our medical records / credit history and bank details are stored on databases.

3. Data Protection Act 1984,1988 &1998 This law has change over the years to move with technology. The law was introduced to protect the privacy of people whose information is stored on the computers. Companies which store information are governed by guidelines that limits access to your information. Businesses have to make sure they adhere to the laws.

4. 8 Principles of the Data Protection Act You can not store personal data un-less the data subject has given permission. Data can only be used for the purpose it was given. Only data relevant to that activity may be asked and stored. Regular updates must be undertaken Data must only be stored as long as necessary. The data stored must not infringe on the data subjects rights. Data must be kept in a secure location and can not be copied. Personal data can not be transferred to companies outside of the EU.

5. Exemption to the 8 Principles If the data is used for a personal use it doesn’t need to adhere to the guidelines. If the data is used in Pay role. Data held for national security. If the data subject has given their permission to go on a mailing list.

6. As Data Subjects We have the right to see what has been written about us. We can request any information which is inaccurate to be destroyed. These rights do not include police records.

7. Copyright, Design and Patent Act 1988 This law helps to protect inventors and designers. The law makes its legal to copy a protected file or picture without the copyrights owner’s permission. Punishment could be a fine or jail sentence. Examples of breaking this law is: Downloading music Using pirate software without a licence Re – using pictures and logos

8. Computer Misuse Act 1990 With the on going threat of people hacking into our home computers gaining access to our home files. This law was brought in to make it a criminal offence. People have written viruses that are sent through emails – My doom and worm viruses cost companies thousands of pounds. If found deliberately planting computer viruses into systems you can face a 5 year jail sentence.

9. Summary of Computer Legislation. Data Protection Copyright, Design and Patent Act 1988 Computer Misuse Act 1990