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Topic 5: Issues and impact

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What ethical and legal issues arise from AI, machine learning and robotics, and how is intellectual property protected?

Understand ethical and legal issues associated with artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics (accountability, safety, algorithmic bias, legal liability), and methods of intellectual property protection (copyright, patents, trademarks, licencing).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 5.2.2 and 5.2.3, covering the ethical and legal issues of AI, machine learning and robotics (accountability, safety, algorithmic bias, legal liability) and intellectual property protection (copyright, patents, trademarks, licensing).
10 min answer →

What threats do malware and social engineering pose to digital systems, and how are systems and data protected?

Understand the threat to digital systems posed by malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, key loggers), how hackers exploit technical vulnerabilities and use social engineering, and methods of protecting digital systems and data (anti-malware, encryption, acceptable use policies, backup and recovery).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 5.3.1 and 5.3.2, covering malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, key loggers), how hackers exploit vulnerabilities and use social engineering, and protection methods (anti-malware, encryption, acceptable use policies, backup and recovery).
10 min answer →

What environmental issues are associated with the use of digital devices?

Understand environmental issues associated with the use of digital devices (energy consumption, manufacture, replacement cycle, disposal).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 5.1.1, covering the environmental issues of digital devices: energy consumption, manufacture, the replacement cycle and disposal (e-waste).
8 min answer →

What ethical and legal issues are raised by collecting and using personal data?

Understand ethical and legal issues associated with the collection and use of personal data (privacy, ownership, consent, misuse, data protection).
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Computer Science 5.2.1, covering the ethical and legal issues of collecting and using personal data: privacy, ownership, consent, misuse and data protection.
9 min answer →