week 12

Individual Report Task: Explain the Purpose of the Laws that Deal with Cyber Crime (UK Context)

Task Overview

In this task, you will explain the purpose of a range of UK laws that deal with cyber crime. Your report should describe why these laws exist, what they aim to prevent, and how they protect individuals, businesses, and society.

Your report should be 200–300 words and focus on making the information clear, accurate, and relevant to the UK legal system.

Title Page

Include your name, date, and a title (e.g., The Purpose of UK Laws that Deal with Cyber Crime).

1. Outline of Relevant UK Laws to Cover

List and briefly name the key laws you will discuss.

Suggested laws to include:

• Computer Misuse Act 1990
• Data Protection Act 2018
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Investigatory Powers Act 2016
• Malicious Communications Act 1988
• Terrorism Act 2006
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) 2003

2. Explanation of the Purpose of Each Law

Briefly explain why each law was created and what it is intended to do.

For example:

• Computer Misuse Act 1990
  • Created to make hacking, unauthorised access, and damaging computer systems criminal offences. It protects systems from deliberate attack or misuse.
• Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR
  • These laws control how personal data is collected, used, and stored, aiming to protect people’s privacy and prevent data breaches.
• Investigatory Powers Act 2016
  • Provides the UK government with powers to monitor and intercept communications lawfully, mainly to protect national security, while balancing privacy rights.
• Malicious Communications Act 1988
  • Aims to stop harmful or threatening messages being sent electronically, including via emails, texts, and social media.
• Terrorism Act 2006
  • Includes measures to stop the use of the internet for encouraging terrorism and radicalisation.
• Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations 2003 (PECR)
  • Sets rules about marketing emails, cookies, and online privacy, ensuring users’ consent is respected.

3. Why Cyber Crime Laws Are Important

Explain the wider purpose of these laws for society.

Example:

“Cyber crime laws protect individuals’ personal information, ensure businesses keep data safe, and help authorities prevent serious threats like hacking and terrorism. Without these laws, there would be little protection or punishment for harmful online behaviour.”

4. Additional Resources and Further Reading

Include links for students to read further information about cyber crime law.

Example:

• UK Government – Computer Misuse Act 1990
• Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – Guide to Data Protection
• National Cyber Security Centre – Cyber Crime Overview

Submission and Marking Criteria

Your report should be 200–300 words and must show clear understanding of the purpose of each law and how they work to protect people and systems.

✔️ Coverage of Laws – Are the most important cyber crime laws explained?

✔️ Purpose Explained Clearly – Are the reasons for the laws clearly and simply described?

✔️ Presentation and Clarity – Is the report well-structured and written in clear English?

Final Note

This task will help you understand why laws are crucial to the fight against cyber crime and how they help protect individuals, businesses, and the wider public in the UK. Focus on clarity and real-world examples where possible!

Last Updated
2025-05-12 10:42:02