What does each of the main computing laws cover, and what does it make illegal?
The relevant legislation: the Data Protection Act, the Computer Misuse Act, and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, including what each covers and the offences under each.
An Eduqas GCSE Computer Science answer on the main computing laws: the Data Protection Act, the Computer Misuse Act, and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, covering what each protects and the offences under each.
Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed
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What this dot point is asking
Eduqas wants you to know the three main pieces of computing legislation: the Data Protection Act, the Computer Misuse Act, and the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, what each one covers, and the offences under each. Questions ask you to state a law's purpose, describe its offences, or apply it to a scenario, so keeping the three laws clearly separate is essential.
The Data Protection Act
The Computer Misuse Act
The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act
Try this
Q1. State the purpose of the Data Protection Act. [1 mark]
- Cue. It governs how organisations collect, store and use personal data, protecting individuals' information.
Q2. Name one offence under the Computer Misuse Act. [1 mark]
- Cue. Unauthorised access to computer material (or unauthorised modification, or access with intent to commit a further offence).
Q3. State what the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act protects. [1 mark]
- Cue. The creators of original work (software, music, images, text) from their work being copied or used without permission.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC Eduqas exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Eduqas Component 1, 20224 marksState the purpose of the Computer Misuse Act and describe two offences it covers.Show worked answer →
Purpose (up to 2 marks): the Computer Misuse Act makes it illegal to access or interfere with computer systems and data without permission, protecting against hacking and related crimes.
Offences (1 mark each, up to two): unauthorised access to computer material (gaining access to a system or data you are not allowed to); unauthorised access with intent to commit a further offence (such as fraud); unauthorised modification of computer material (changing or deleting data without permission, including spreading malware).
Markers reward the "without authorisation" idea and two distinct offences. Mixing it up with the Data Protection Act (which is about handling personal data) loses marks.
Eduqas Component 1, 20234 marksA company holds personal data about its customers. Explain two responsibilities it has under the Data Protection Act.Show worked answer →
Award up to two marks each for two responsibilities with explanation.
Keep data secure: it must protect the personal data against loss, theft or unauthorised access (for example using encryption and access controls).
Use data only for the stated purpose: it must collect and use the data only for the purpose given, not pass it on or use it for something else without consent.
Other valid points: keep data accurate and up to date; collect only what is needed; allow individuals to see the data held about them. Markers reward responsibilities tied to handling personal data, not generic security.
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Sources & how we know this
- WJEC Eduqas GCSE Computer Science specification (from 2016) — Eduqas (2020)