3- Computer Misuse Act and Copyright

1990 Computer Misuse Act 

The Act was created to criminalize unauthorized access to computer systems and to
discourage the more serious criminals from using a computer to assist in the
commission of a criminal offence or from impairing or hindering access to data
stored in a computer.

Computer misuse offences, 

1.Unauthorised access to computer material.

          2.Unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate commission of further offences.
          3.Unauthorised modification of computer material.



1. Unauthorized access to computer material
Described by the Act’s sponsor as ‘simple hacking’ -
using a computer without permission. This carries a
penalty of up to six months in prison or a £5000 fine,
and is tried in a Magistrate's Court.
Involves causing a computer to perform some function.


2. Unauthorised access to computer material with
intent to commit or facilitate commission of further
offences.
Covers actions such as attempting to use the
contents of an email message for blackmail. This is a
more serious offence, and the penalty is up to five
years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.


3.Unauthorised modification of computer material.
This section covers distributing a computer virus, or
malicious deletion of files, as well as direct actions
such as altering an account to obtain fraudulent
credit.
Both (2) and (3) are tried in front of a jury.
The Act also includes the offences of conspiracy to
commit and incitement to commit the three main
offences.

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, is the current UK copyright law. It gives the creators of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works the right to control the ways in which their material may be used. The rights cover: Broadcast and public performance, copying, adapting, issuing, renting and lending copies to the public. In many cases, the creator will also have the right to be identified as the author and to object to distortions of his work.

http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse/theory/copyright_patents_act/miniweb/index.htm