3.4 Legal Implications

Overview

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Computer Misuse Act.

Describe the roles of the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification) and PEGI (Pan European Game Information) in establishing classifications for computer games.

Keep informed about up-coming legislation in the UK regarding gaming classifications (Byron Review).

OverviewDemonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of:

The Computer Misuse Act and describe the terms hacker, virus and spyware and how these relate to the Act;

The Copyright Designs and Patents Act and identify breaches of the Act including software piracy and software licensing;

The Data Protection Act and identify the eight principles of the Data Protection Act;

State the rights of the data subject and the responsibilities of the data controller and Information Commissioner in ensuring the Data Protection Act is enforced.

PEGI

Pan European Game Information

A European video game content rating system established to help European parents make

informed decisions on buying computer games with logos on games boxes.

Game Age Ratings

3 rating Suitable for ages 3 and over

7 rating Suitable only for persons of 7 years of age and older

12 rating Suitable only for persons of over age 12 and older

16 rating Suitable only for persons of over age 16 and older

18 rating Suitable only for persons 18 years of age and older

Content DescriptionsViolence

Profanity

Fear

Sex

Drugs

Discrimination

Gambling

On-line

BBFCBritish Board of Film Classification

Suitable only for adults18

For adults onlyRestricted 18

Suitable only for those aged 15 and over15

Suitable only for those aged 12 and over12

May be unsuitable for under 12s 12A

General viewing Parental Guidance

All ages admitted Universal

Suitable for all Universal Children

Byron review

A report delivered on the 27 March 2008 to the UK Department for Children, Schools and Families. It was authored and overseen by Dr Tanya Byron.

The Review focuses on the use of video games and the Internet (particularly social networking websites) by children, and discusses the use of classification and the role of parenting in policing them.

Computer Misuse Act

Makes it illegal to:• deliberately plant viruses in a computer

system;• gain unauthorised access to a computer

system;• commit computer fraud; and• use a company computer without permission.

DefinitionsHacker: A person who accesses a computer system without permission in order to do damage.Virus: A program designed to damage the operation of a computer system.Spyware: Software that can steal a person’s

information from their computer system.Piracy: Illegally downloading information or programs which you do not have permission to do.Plagiarism: Passing work off as your own.

The Copyright Designs and Patents Act

Deals with:• illegally copying or downloading software;• stealing ideas from one company for use in

another;• using unlicensed software; and• non-payment of downloaded materials.

Data Protection Act

Principles:1. Data must be kept accurate and up-to-date.2. Data must be kept no longer than necessary.3. Data must be processed fairly and lawfully.4. Data must be held securely.5. Data must not be transferred outside the EU.6. Data must not be kept longer than necessary.7. Data must only be used for the specified purpose.8. Data must be adequate and relevant for the intended

purpose.

Data Subject

Definition: The person about whom the information is about.

Rights:• Has the right to view data held

about them.• Has the right to have data

explained to them.

Data Controller

Definition: The person in a company who is responsible for controlling the

way in which the data is processed.

Responsibilities:• Notifies the Data Commissioner on the intent

to store data.• Is responsible for the security surrounding the

stored data.

Information Commissioner

Definition: The person responsible for enforcing the Data Protection Act and enlightening the

public about their rights.Responsibilities:• Provides advice on protection.• Helps organisations understand

legislation.

Acronyms

• BBFC: British Board of Film Classification• PEGI:Pan European Game Information

Exercise

Different ICT laws exist in different countries.

Find one such law and describe its purpose.