What is ict legislation?

Legislation affecting IT

• The Data Protection Act.
  • aimed at protecting the rights of the individual to privacy.
  • If an organisation holds data on individuals it must register under the act.
  • Personal Data should be processed fairly and lawfully.
  • Personal Data should be held only for registered purpose/s.
  • Personal Data should not be disclosed in anyway other than lawfully and within the registered purpose.
  • Personal Data held should be adequate and relevant and not excessive for the required purpose.
  • Personal data should be accurate and kept up-to-date.
  • Personal data should not be kept for longer than is necessary.
  • Data must be processed in accordance with the rights of the data subjects.
  • Appropriate security measures must be taken against unauthorised access.
  • Individuals should be informed about the data stored and should be entitled to have access to it and be able to correct errors.
  • Personal data cannot be transferred to countries outside the European Union unless the country provides an adequate level of protection.
• The Computer Misuse Act
  • Before this act it was not possible to prosecute a 'hacker'. The act created 3 new offences.
  • Unauthorised access to computer material (viewing data which you are not authorised to see).
  • Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate commission of further offences (hacking).
  • Unauthorised modification of computer material.
• Copyright Designs and Patents Act
  • This act protects software developers from having their software copied and pirated.
  • A software audit should be carried out by an organisation to ensure all its software is legal.
• Health and Safety
  • Both employers and employees are obliged to implement the relevant Health and Safety provisions, which are designed to provide a safe and healthy working environment.