Mission: Master the complex 8-mark evaluations and key legislation governing the digital world for your J277 GCSE.
What is right or wrong? Examples: Job replacement by AI, the digital divide (inequality), and algorithmic bias.
The rules of the land. Examples: Hacking laws, data protection rights, and intellectual property ownership.
The planet's health. Examples: Energy consumption of data centres, e-waste, and use of finite precious metals.
How society lives. Examples: 24/7 "always-on" culture, impact on social interaction, and globalization.
Personal boundaries. Examples: Surveillance cameras, social media data mining, and location tracking.
| Act of Parliament | Core Purpose | Key Crimes / Protections |
|---|---|---|
| Data Protection Act (2018) | Protects the personal data of individuals. | Data must be used fairly, kept secure, and not kept longer than necessary. |
| Computer Misuse Act (1990) | Makes hacking and cybercrime illegal. | Unauthorised access to data, access with intent to commit crime, and changing data (viruses). |
| Copyright, Designs & Patents Act (1988) | Protects intellectual property. | Illegal to copy/distribute software, music, or videos without a licence. |
Users can view and edit the source code. Usually free. Benefit: Can be tailored to specific needs by the community.
Source code is compiled/hidden. Usually paid. Benefit: Comes with full vendor support and is professionally tested.
To score 6-8 marks on a "Discuss" question, you MUST hit these three targets:
Provide both Benefits and Drawbacks. An essay with only pros cannot reach the top band.
Name specific groups affected. Never just say "people". Use Customers, Employees, Company, or Government.
Use "which leads to" or "therefore". Explain why a point matters. E.g. "...resulting in heavy fines under the DPA 2018."