1.5.1 Computing Related Legislation Exam Questions
Paper 1 · Computer Systems · 9 past paper questions · 55 marks
Exam questions for 1.5.1 Computing related legislation
9 OCR past paper questions (55 marks) with mark schemes
Answer each question, reveal the mark scheme, then award yourself marks. Scores and answers are saved in this browser so you can see which topics need more work.
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- Question 1H446/013 marks
State three additional powers that the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act gives to some government bodies.
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1 mark per bullet to max 3: - Allows for mass surveillance of communications - Allows the monitoring of an individual's internet activities/history - Allows covert surveillance to be carried out - Can demand access to protected data - Can demand that ISPs/businesses give access to customer communications/history - Can demand that ISPs/businesses install equipment that facilitate surveillance - Can demand that encryption keys are handed over / force individuals to decrypt data - Can keep existence of searches and what found private in courtMark yourself: how many marks did you get?/ 3 - Question 2H446/01 · June 20243 marks
Identify three principles of the Data Protection Act.
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1 mark per bullet: - Data must be processed fairly/lawfully - Data must be adequate/relevant/not excessive - Data must be accurate and up to date - Data must not be retained for longer than necessary - Data can only be used for the purpose for which it was collected - Data must be kept secure - Data must be processed in accordance with people's rights - Data must not be transferred outside of the EU without adequate protectionMark yourself: how many marks did you get?/ 3 - Question 3H446/01 · June 202312 marks
The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000) has been described as both a vital legal tool to ensure the public's safety and an attack on an individual's freedoms. Evaluate the purpose and use of the Act. You should include: the additional powers given under the Act, to whom these powers are given, the perceived benefits and/or drawbacks of the Act.
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Levels of response (12 marks) High (9-12): Thorough knowledge of RIPA, balanced discussion of benefits and drawbacks Mid (5-8): Reasonable knowledge, some imbalance in discussion Low (1-4): Basic knowledge, limited discussion Key points: Powers to intercept communications, access encrypted data, conduct surveillance. Given to police, security services, GCHQ. Benefits: national security, crime prevention. Drawbacks: privacy concerns, potential for misuse, chilling effect on free speech.Mark yourself: how many marks did you get?/ 12 - Question 4H446/01 · June 20222 marks
Explain how the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 applies to videos that are streamed.
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The videos are the intellectual property of the creator Streaming without permission is infringement / illegal Even temporary copies in memory may constitute infringement (2 marks)Mark yourself: how many marks did you get?/ 2 - Question 5H446/01 · June 20219 marks
'The Computer Misuse Act means that computer users are criminalised for simply trying to learn how systems work.' Discuss whether or not you agree with this statement.
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Levels of response (9 marks) Key points: CMA makes unauthorized access illegal regardless of intent. Three offences: unauthorized access, unauthorized access with intent, unauthorized modification. Security researchers may be affected. However, the Act protects systems from malicious actors. Ethical hackers need permission. Bug bounty programs provide legal alternatives.Mark yourself: how many marks did you get?/ 9 - Question 6H446/01 · June 20209 marks
'When it comes to government electronic surveillance, if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.' Discuss whether or not you agree with this statement. Include: extent UK government can monitor communications, technical measures citizens can take to prevent monitoring.
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Levels of response (9 marks) Key points: UK government powers under RIPA and IPA. Can intercept communications, require encryption keys. Technical measures: VPNs, end-to-end encryption, Tor. Counter-arguments: privacy as fundamental right, chilling effect on free speech, potential for abuse of power, security of personal data.Mark yourself: how many marks did you get?/ 9 - Question 7H446/013 marks
Describe the purpose of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.
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Provides legal framework for surveillance by public bodies Allows interception of communications when authorised Regulates who can conduct surveillance and under what circumstances Requires warrants for certain types of surveillance (3 marks - 1 per valid point)Mark yourself: how many marks did you get?/ 3 - Question 8H446/01 · June 201812 marks
'Technology is changing too quickly for the law to keep up.' Discuss to what extent you agree with the statement. Explain which laws regulate the use of technology and how advancements in technology have made the laws difficult to enforce/implement.
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Levels of response (12 marks) Laws: DPA, CMA, CDPA, RIPA/IPA. Challenges: cloud computing crosses jurisdictions, encryption makes surveillance difficult, AI raises new ethical issues, social media and GDPR compliance, IoT security vulnerabilities not covered. However: principles of existing laws still apply, new legislation being developed, international cooperation increasing.Mark yourself: how many marks did you get?/ 12 - Question 9H446/012 marks
Describe how the law allows GCHQ to monitor communications.
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Under RIPA/IPA with appropriate warrants For purposes of national security, preventing/detecting crime Secretary of State can authorise interception Judicial oversight required for certain warrants (2 marks)Mark yourself: how many marks did you get?/ 2
- 1GDPR principles: Lawfulness, Purpose limitation, Minimisation, Accuracy, Storage limitation, Security, Accountability
- 2Individual rights: Access, Rectification, Erasure (right to be forgotten), Portability
- 3Computer Misuse Act: S1 (unauthorised access, 2yr), S2 (with intent, 5yr), S3 (modification, 10yr)
- 4Copyright: Automatic, 70 years after death; Software protected as literary work
- 5RIPA: Governs surveillance; Balance between security and privacy
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