Explain the legal and ethical issues in relation to the use of business information (P5)
Legal issues are various items of legislation (law) to protect the use of business information.
Data protection act 1998
Many business store information about people, whether it’s for potential customers or previous clients.
The data protection act protects the information held about people from being misused. The information businesses store on databases need to be obtained fairly and lawfully, they must only be used for the purposes started during collection, it must be accurate and up to date, not kept for longer than necessary, processed in line with your rights, subject to procedures to prevent unlawful processing, accidental loss, destruction and damage to personal data.
Freedom of information act 2000
The freedom of information act came into effect in 2005. It provides individuals or organisations with the right to request information held by the public authority. The public authority have to tell the applicant whether it holds information, it must provide that within 20days of the applicants request.
Computer misuse act 1990
The computer misuse act is a law in the UK that legislates against certain activities using computers, such as hacking in to other peoples systems, misusing software or helping a person to gain access to protected files on someone else’s computer.
Unauthorised access to computer material, unauthorised access to computer systems with intent to commit another offence and unauthorised modification of computer material is all illegal.
Ethical issues.
An ethical issue is a code of practise that exists in an organisation to maintain business ethics on use of email, internet, whistle blowing, organisational policies and information ownership.
Use of email
Many organisations or businesses have a code of practice on the correct use of email
Emails are used as an electric memo