The computer misuse act:
The computer misuse act is to protect anyone who is the subject of and data in a computer system by making it illegal for anyone who isn’t authorised to access the information to do so. The act states that it is illegal if any unauthorised person accesses the program or data, if any unauthorised person has access with further criminal intent or if there is any unauthorised modification of computer material. An advantage of the legislation is that it protects the subject of information by stating that nobody without authorised access can read the information preventing people without permission from knowing information which the subject may not wish them to know. A disadvantage of this act is that someone who may wish to view or use information for a good reason may not be entitled to. This act affects me in the way that nobody who isn’t authorised can look at information which the school keep on me. The act would also effect Mr.Caroll (a working adult) in the way that he can not view files if he is not authorised e.g. staff pay roles which are password protected.
Copyright, Designs and patents act (1988):
This act was set in 1988 to protect intellectual property such as music, literature and software. Provisions make it illegal to Copy software, Run printed software and to transmit software over a telecommunications line thereby creating a copy. An advantage of this act is that this means that nobody can copy anyone’s work such as music to make a profit meaning that the artist gets full credit for his or her work. A disadvantage of this act is that people have to pay more expensive prices for C.D’s and DVD’s etc because it is illegal to copy them free of charge. This law effects me because it states that I can’t copy music C.D’s etc therefore I have to pay higher prices for them. The law also affects the community in general in the way that if there is a local car boot sale in Sedgley, it would be illegal for anyone to purchase any copied material such as DVD’s.
Health and safety at work act (1974):
This act protects any employee by making it compulsory that an employer should provide a safe working environment for their employees. The act states that the employer is responsible for providing a safe environment for employees, Training employees and if fails to do so can receive prosecution in magistrate or crown court or being sued by an employee. An advantage of this legislation is that it is better for employees as their working environment should always be a safe place for them to work in and if not and this results in an accident the employee can sue to receive compensation. A disadvantage of this act is that it may cost the employer a lot of time, money and effort to ensure that their workplace is a safe environment. This act affects me in the way that the head teacher at my school must ensure that the environment which I work in is safe. This act also affects Mr.Caroll (a working adult) because the law states that his employer must provide him with a safe working environment.
Health and safety regulations (1992):
This act protects the health of employees who constantly use VDU’s preventing them fro repetitive strain injury, fatigue and eye problems. The act states that employees have to ensure that work stations meet the minimum requirements to prevent injuries. Employers are to do so by analysing workstations. An advantage of this is that it prevents employees from getting repetitive strain injury, fatigue or eye problems caused by their job for no fault of their own. A disadvantage of this act is that it may cost an employer a lot of money to ensure that all the workstations meet the minimum criteria. This act affects me in the way that any computer station at school which I have to work on should always be safe for me to use. This act also affects Mr.Caroll (a working adult) because as head of I.C.T he must ensure that all VDU workstations must meet the minimum requirements in the I.C.T rooms.
Regulation of investigatory powers act (2000)
This act is defining the powers that the government have to access information and the security of the information. The act states that it gives the government the right to carry out intelligence surveillance and to spy on electronic communications. An advantage of this act is that authorities can monitor electronic communications and can prevent abuse which may lead to further offences, protecting the recipient of abuse. A disadvantage of this act is that authorities may monitor private conversations held over electronic communications. This act affects me in the way that authorities can monitor my e-mail to prevent abuse. This act also affects the community in general as everyone electronic communications can be monitored.
