Legislation

Understanding Legislation

  • Legislation is the term referring to laws and regulations set out by a governing body.

  • In the context of Computer Science, legislation is used to regulate how data is handled, governed, and protected.

  • Understanding various pieces of legislation is essential for anyone working with computers and digital data.

Key UK Legislation

  • The Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) is an act that defines how personal data should be used by organisations, businesses, and the government.

  • The DPA 2018 replaced the Data Protection Act 1998 and complements the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which came into effect in May 2018.

  • The Computer Misuse Act 1990 makes actions like hacking (unauthorised access to computers and networks), planting viruses, and cyber-terrorism illegal.

  • The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 deals with the unlawful copying of software, music, and film, providing protections for original creators.

  • The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides an individual, or the public, with a right to access information held by a public body.

Rationale Behind Legislation

  • These laws and regulations are vital to safeguard individuals’ rights, protect their privacy, prevent crimes, and promote transparency.

  • Without such laws, there could be misuse or abuse of information, leading to various criminal activities like identity theft, fraud, and cyber-attacks.

Understanding International Legislation

  • Beyond the UK, there are additional pieces of legislation applicable on an international scale.

  • For example, GDPR applies to any entity dealing with personal data of individuals living within the European Union, regardless of where the entity is located globally.

Impact of Legislation on Individuals and Businesses

  • Individuals gain protection and have rights to access, correct, or erase their data, while businesses are required to implement processes to ensure compliance with these laws.

  • Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines.

  • Therefore, it is crucial for businesses to be aware of and understand all relevant legislation and to ensure they are compliant.

More About GDPR

  • GDPR provides individuals with more control over their personal data and ensures that companies handle this data securely and transparently.

  • Key features of GDPR include the right to be forgotten, data portability, and the necessity for explicit consent for data processing.