Legislation relevant to DT

Consumer Contracts Regulations

• Online traders must provide customers with a full description of products, prices, delivery charges, and payment methods.
• Customers have the right to cancel an order and receive a full refund for physical products within 14 days of receipt.
• Customers are not entitled to cancel orders for digital content after download.

Data Protection Act 1998

• The act controls how personal data is used by organizations and protects individuals' rights.
• Organizations must employ a data controller to oversee personal data processing.
• The government's Information Commissioner enforces the act and informs the public about their rights.
• The 8 principles of the act are:
  • Process data fairly and lawfully with consent.
  • Use data for the specified purpose only.
  • Ensure data is adequate and relevant for its intended purpose.
  • Keep data accurate and up-to-date.
  • Not keep data for longer than necessary.
  • Process data in accordance with the data subject's rights.
  • Hold data safely and securely.
  • Not transfer data outside the EU without adequate protection.
• Organizations that fail to comply with the principles can be prosecuted.

Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988

• The act protects individuals' and organizations' property rights for original ideas and material (intellectual property).
• This includes computer software and aims to prevent illegal copying, downloading, and distribution without permission.

Computer Misuse Act 1990

• The act protects users against unauthorized access to computer systems and deliberate hacking to plant viruses or install malicious software (e.g., spyware).