The Computer Misuse Act and related legislation are crucial topics... Show more
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11
0
N
Nikolay
02/07/2022
Computer Science
OCR H446 1.5 Legal, moral, cultural and ethical issues
181
•
2 Jul 2022
•
OCR A Level Computer Science: Legal, Moral, Cultural, and Ethical Issues
N
Nikolay
@nikolay
Moral and Ethical Issues in Computing
This section explores the moral, social, ethical, and cultural implications of digital technology, focusing on its impact on the workforce, decision-making, and society at large.
Computers in the Workforce
The advancement of technology has significantly changed skill sets required in various industries:
- Automated Decision Making: Computers now make rapid decisions in areas like electrical power distribution, plant automation, and airborne collision avoidance systems.
- Changing Job Landscape: Robot manufacturing has led to fewer direct manufacturing roles but more technical and maintenance positions. Online shopping has reduced in-store jobs but increased logistics and distribution roles. Online banking has resulted in the closure of many high street bank branches.
Example: Credit assessments by banks now often rely on automated systems for faster and more consistent evaluations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has both beneficial and potentially disadvantageous impacts:
- Credit-card checking for fraud detection
- Speech recognition for interpreting spoken language
- Medical diagnosis systems to aid healthcare professionals
- Control systems for monitoring and predicting events
Highlight: The debate around AI's impact on society continues, with both positive applications and concerns about job displacement.
Environmental Effects
Computers contain harmful materials such as airborne dioxins, PCBs, cadmium, chromium, radioactive isotopes, and mercury. This raises concerns about:
- Proper disposal methods
- Exportation to countries with lower environmental standards
- Recycling practices, including the extraction of scrap metal by workers and children in some countries
Censorship and the Internet
Internet censorship involves the suppression of what can be accessed or published online:
- Varies by country, often for political reasons
- Organizations like schools may apply additional censorship to protect individuals
Monitoring and Analysis
Digital technology enables extensive monitoring and analysis of personal information:
- CCTV for behavior monitoring
- Tracking of work performance
- Social media monitoring by organizations
- Analysis of personal data for market trends, criminal activity detection, and medical research
Vocabulary: CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television, a video surveillance system used for security and monitoring purposes.
Legal and Ethical Considerations in Digital Communication
This section covers legislation and ethical considerations related to digital communication, piracy, and web accessibility.
Piracy and Offensive Communications
The Communications Act (CA) 2003 addresses illegal access to Wi-Fi and the sending of offensive messages:
Example: In 2012, a man was jailed for 12 weeks under this Act for posting offensive messages about high-profile missing person cases.
Web Accessibility and the Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act makes it illegal to discriminate by not providing accessible services. Web service providers must ensure accessibility through:
- Screen reader compatibility
- Larger fonts and screen magnifier options
- Image tagging and alternate text
- Color adjustments for color-blind users
- Transcripts and subtitles for audio content
Highlight: Web accessibility is not just a best practice but a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010.
These legal and ethical considerations highlight the complex interplay between technology, society, and individual rights in the digital age. As technology continues to advance, it's crucial for OCR A Level Computer Science students to understand these issues and their implications for future developments in computing and digital communication.
Computing Related Legislation
This section covers key legislation related to computing and digital technology, focusing on data protection, computer misuse, copyright, and investigatory powers.
The Data Protection Act 1998 is designed to protect personal data and control its storage. It requires all data users to register with the Data Commissioner and outlines eight important provisions:
- Fair and lawful data processing
- Data adequacy and relevance
- Accuracy and currency of data
- Limited retention period
- Purposeful use of data
- Data security
- Respect for people's data rights
- Restricted data transfer outside the EU
Highlight: The Data Protection Act's eight provisions form the cornerstone of personal data protection in the digital age.
The Computer Misuse Act 1990 targets illegal hacking and system exploitation. It makes it an offense to gain unauthorized access to computer material, especially with intent to commit further crimes or change a computer's operation.
Example: Distributing viruses with the intent to disrupt computer operations would be a violation of the Computer Misuse Act.
The Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 protects the ownership of media, software, and intellectual property. It prohibits unauthorized copying, reproduction, or redistribution of copyrighted material.
Definition: Copyright is the legal right that protects the use and distribution of original works, including digital content.
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 addresses internet use by criminals and terrorists. It regulates how authorities monitor online actions, allowing certain organizations to:
- Access customer communications through ISPs
- Conduct mass surveillance
- Require ISPs to install surveillance equipment
- Access protected information
- Monitor individual internet activities
- Prevent disclosure of interception activities in court
Vocabulary: ISP stands for Internet Service Provider, a company that provides internet access to customers.
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Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
OCR A Level Computer Science: Legal, Moral, Cultural, and Ethical Issues
N
Nikolay
@nikolay
The Computer Misuse Act and related legislation are crucial topics in OCR A Level Computer Science. This summary covers key laws, ethical considerations, and societal impacts of digital technology.
- The Data Protection Act 1998 protects personal data with eight... Show more
Moral and Ethical Issues in Computing
This section explores the moral, social, ethical, and cultural implications of digital technology, focusing on its impact on the workforce, decision-making, and society at large.
Computers in the Workforce
The advancement of technology has significantly changed skill sets required in various industries:
- Automated Decision Making: Computers now make rapid decisions in areas like electrical power distribution, plant automation, and airborne collision avoidance systems.
- Changing Job Landscape: Robot manufacturing has led to fewer direct manufacturing roles but more technical and maintenance positions. Online shopping has reduced in-store jobs but increased logistics and distribution roles. Online banking has resulted in the closure of many high street bank branches.
Example: Credit assessments by banks now often rely on automated systems for faster and more consistent evaluations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has both beneficial and potentially disadvantageous impacts:
- Credit-card checking for fraud detection
- Speech recognition for interpreting spoken language
- Medical diagnosis systems to aid healthcare professionals
- Control systems for monitoring and predicting events
Highlight: The debate around AI's impact on society continues, with both positive applications and concerns about job displacement.
Environmental Effects
Computers contain harmful materials such as airborne dioxins, PCBs, cadmium, chromium, radioactive isotopes, and mercury. This raises concerns about:
- Proper disposal methods
- Exportation to countries with lower environmental standards
- Recycling practices, including the extraction of scrap metal by workers and children in some countries
Censorship and the Internet
Internet censorship involves the suppression of what can be accessed or published online:
- Varies by country, often for political reasons
- Organizations like schools may apply additional censorship to protect individuals
Monitoring and Analysis
Digital technology enables extensive monitoring and analysis of personal information:
- CCTV for behavior monitoring
- Tracking of work performance
- Social media monitoring by organizations
- Analysis of personal data for market trends, criminal activity detection, and medical research
Vocabulary: CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit Television, a video surveillance system used for security and monitoring purposes.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Legal and Ethical Considerations in Digital Communication
This section covers legislation and ethical considerations related to digital communication, piracy, and web accessibility.
Piracy and Offensive Communications
The Communications Act (CA) 2003 addresses illegal access to Wi-Fi and the sending of offensive messages:
Example: In 2012, a man was jailed for 12 weeks under this Act for posting offensive messages about high-profile missing person cases.
Web Accessibility and the Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act makes it illegal to discriminate by not providing accessible services. Web service providers must ensure accessibility through:
- Screen reader compatibility
- Larger fonts and screen magnifier options
- Image tagging and alternate text
- Color adjustments for color-blind users
- Transcripts and subtitles for audio content
Highlight: Web accessibility is not just a best practice but a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010.
These legal and ethical considerations highlight the complex interplay between technology, society, and individual rights in the digital age. As technology continues to advance, it's crucial for OCR A Level Computer Science students to understand these issues and their implications for future developments in computing and digital communication.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Computing Related Legislation
This section covers key legislation related to computing and digital technology, focusing on data protection, computer misuse, copyright, and investigatory powers.
The Data Protection Act 1998 is designed to protect personal data and control its storage. It requires all data users to register with the Data Commissioner and outlines eight important provisions:
- Fair and lawful data processing
- Data adequacy and relevance
- Accuracy and currency of data
- Limited retention period
- Purposeful use of data
- Data security
- Respect for people's data rights
- Restricted data transfer outside the EU
Highlight: The Data Protection Act's eight provisions form the cornerstone of personal data protection in the digital age.
The Computer Misuse Act 1990 targets illegal hacking and system exploitation. It makes it an offense to gain unauthorized access to computer material, especially with intent to commit further crimes or change a computer's operation.
Example: Distributing viruses with the intent to disrupt computer operations would be a violation of the Computer Misuse Act.
The Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 protects the ownership of media, software, and intellectual property. It prohibits unauthorized copying, reproduction, or redistribution of copyrighted material.
Definition: Copyright is the legal right that protects the use and distribution of original works, including digital content.
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 addresses internet use by criminals and terrorists. It regulates how authorities monitor online actions, allowing certain organizations to:
- Access customer communications through ISPs
- Conduct mass surveillance
- Require ISPs to install surveillance equipment
- Access protected information
- Monitor individual internet activities
- Prevent disclosure of interception activities in court
Vocabulary: ISP stands for Internet Service Provider, a company that provides internet access to customers.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user