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Computer Science

30 Nov 2025

283

3 pages

Exploring Technology: UK Law, Issues, and Impacts

Ever wondered why your old phone can't just go in the bin, or why companies get so protective... Show more

1010
EDEXCEL:COMPUTER SCIENCE
Issues & impacts
1010 Revision & questions booklet
ENVIORNMENTAL ISSUES
Environmental concerns are those where

Environmental and Ethical Challenges in Computing

Your smartphone, laptop, and every digital device around you comes with a hidden environmental cost that's bigger than you might think. Manufacturing computers requires loads of metals and plastics, whilst data centres and web servers gobble up energy 24/7 to keep the internet running.

The real problem is how quickly we chuck out our tech. Most people get new phones every couple of years, and schools replace computers every three to four years - often before they've actually broken! Many components contain toxic materials like lead, making them difficult to recycle safely.

Ethical issues in computing are about doing the right thing when designing and using technology. Take driverless cars - engineers must ensure they protect not just passengers, but also pedestrians and other drivers. Another major concern is data security, as hackers constantly try to break into social media accounts, phones, and computer networks.

Quick Tip Look for energy-efficient devices and consider keeping your tech longer to reduce environmental impact!

1010
EDEXCEL:COMPUTER SCIENCE
Issues & impacts
1010 Revision & questions booklet
ENVIORNMENTAL ISSUES
Environmental concerns are those where

Legal Protection and Intellectual Property

When programmers spend months creating code, they need legal protection to stop others from stealing their work. Intellectual property laws help protect these digital creations, just like patents protect physical inventions.

Copyright kicks in automatically once code is written down - no registration needed, and you don't even need the © symbol. Companies can then sell, licence, or give away these rights as they choose. This protection is crucial because developing new software often takes years and costs millions.

Patents work differently and must be registered officially. They protect actual inventions and have strict rules about being genuinely new and inventive. However, algorithms create legal headaches because they don't fit neatly into either copyright or patent categories.

The 8 data protection principles (including fair and lawful use, security, and user rights) plus the Computer Misuse Act 1990 provide the legal framework for how personal data must be handled and what counts as computer crime.

Remember Copyright protects the code itself, whilst patents protect the inventions that code might control!

1010
EDEXCEL:COMPUTER SCIENCE
Issues & impacts
1010 Revision & questions booklet
ENVIORNMENTAL ISSUES
Environmental concerns are those where

Test Your Knowledge

Ready to check if you've mastered these concepts? These questions cover the key areas you'll need to understand for your exams.

The questions range from environmental impacts (like toxic waste from disposed technology) to ethical concerns around AI and digital assistants. You'll also need to explain how intellectual property protection works through patents and copyright.

Pay particular attention to questions about the Data Protection Act principles and why inclusive technology design matters. These topics frequently appear in exam papers and coursework assessments.

Exam Strategy Practice explaining the difference between copyright and patents - this comparison question comes up regularly!

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.

2

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

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

 

Computer Science

283

30 Nov 2025

3 pages

Exploring Technology: UK Law, Issues, and Impacts

Ever wondered why your old phone can't just go in the bin, or why companies get so protective about their code? Computing technology affects far more than just our daily lives - it impacts the environment, raises serious ethical questions,... Show more

1010
EDEXCEL:COMPUTER SCIENCE
Issues & impacts
1010 Revision & questions booklet
ENVIORNMENTAL ISSUES
Environmental concerns are those where

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

Environmental and Ethical Challenges in Computing

Your smartphone, laptop, and every digital device around you comes with a hidden environmental cost that's bigger than you might think. Manufacturing computers requires loads of metals and plastics, whilst data centres and web servers gobble up energy 24/7 to keep the internet running.

The real problem is how quickly we chuck out our tech. Most people get new phones every couple of years, and schools replace computers every three to four years - often before they've actually broken! Many components contain toxic materials like lead, making them difficult to recycle safely.

Ethical issues in computing are about doing the right thing when designing and using technology. Take driverless cars - engineers must ensure they protect not just passengers, but also pedestrians and other drivers. Another major concern is data security, as hackers constantly try to break into social media accounts, phones, and computer networks.

Quick Tip: Look for energy-efficient devices and consider keeping your tech longer to reduce environmental impact!

1010
EDEXCEL:COMPUTER SCIENCE
Issues & impacts
1010 Revision & questions booklet
ENVIORNMENTAL ISSUES
Environmental concerns are those where

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 Protection and Intellectual Property

When programmers spend months creating code, they need legal protection to stop others from stealing their work. Intellectual property laws help protect these digital creations, just like patents protect physical inventions.

Copyright kicks in automatically once code is written down - no registration needed, and you don't even need the © symbol. Companies can then sell, licence, or give away these rights as they choose. This protection is crucial because developing new software often takes years and costs millions.

Patents work differently and must be registered officially. They protect actual inventions and have strict rules about being genuinely new and inventive. However, algorithms create legal headaches because they don't fit neatly into either copyright or patent categories.

The 8 data protection principles (including fair and lawful use, security, and user rights) plus the Computer Misuse Act 1990 provide the legal framework for how personal data must be handled and what counts as computer crime.

Remember: Copyright protects the code itself, whilst patents protect the inventions that code might control!

1010
EDEXCEL:COMPUTER SCIENCE
Issues & impacts
1010 Revision & questions booklet
ENVIORNMENTAL ISSUES
Environmental concerns are those where

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

Test Your Knowledge

Ready to check if you've mastered these concepts? These questions cover the key areas you'll need to understand for your exams.

The questions range from environmental impacts (like toxic waste from disposed technology) to ethical concerns around AI and digital assistants. You'll also need to explain how intellectual property protection works through patents and copyright.

Pay particular attention to questions about the Data Protection Act principles and why inclusive technology design matters. These topics frequently appear in exam papers and coursework assessments.

Exam Strategy: Practice explaining the difference between copyright and patents - this comparison question comes up regularly!

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.

2

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

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