A-Level Computer Science: Legal, Moral & Ethical Issues Revision

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Is content on the internet free to copy and reuse?

Legal, Moral & Ethical Issues is a core part of A-Level Computer Science. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

Data protection lawRules for handling personal data fairly and securely.

Computer Misuse ActMakes unauthorised access to computers illegal.

PrivacyProtecting individuals' personal information.

Environmental impactEnergy use and e-waste from computing.

Intellectual propertyCopyright and licensing of software and content.

Digital divideUnequal access to technology.

Data Protection ActUK legislation governing how personal data must be collected, stored and processed.

GDPRGeneral Data Protection Regulation: EU/UK law on personal data rights, consent and transfer.

Computer Misuse Act 1990UK law making unauthorised access, modification and impairment of computers a criminal offence.

CopyrightLegal right protecting creators' work, including software, music and writing.

E-wasteDiscarded electronic equipment; an environmental concern due to toxic materials.

SurveillanceThe monitoring of people's activities and communications using technology, raising tensions between security benefits and civil liberties.

Algorithmic biasSystematic unfairness in automated decisions, often arising when systems are trained or designed using data that reflects existing prejudices.

Automation and employmentThe replacement of routine human work by software and machines, displacing some jobs while creating new, often more technical, roles.

What your exam board covers

Where Legal, Moral & Ethical Issues sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.

OCRLegal, moral, cultural and ethical issuesSpec H446

Part of: Component 1 — Computer systems

Source: OCR A Level Computer Science (H446) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

Learn Legal, Moral & Ethical Issues step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

OCRLegal, moral, cultural & ethical issues

Other boards:AQA

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

Is content on the internet free to copy and reuse?✗ Yes, anything online is free to use. ✓ No — most is protected by copyright; reuse usually needs permission.

What does the Data Protection Act / GDPR require?✗ Companies can use personal data however they like. ✓ Personal data is handled fairly, kept secure and used only for stated purposes.

Practise Legal, Moral & Ethical Issues — free games

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Legal, Moral & Ethical Issues

Key concepts

What your exam board covers

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Legal, Moral & Ethical Issues — free games

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