GCSERevise
AQASpec 3.8Foundation & Higher~30 min

Ethical, Legal and Environmental Impacts

Computer Science · Topic revision workspace

Topic progress0%

Read the notes, score 80% and know 75% of the cards.

Topic overview

What you need to know

Digital systems affect privacy, employment, access, culture and the environment. Decisions are shaped by legislation and competing stakeholder interests.

Exam tip

Identify who gains, who may be harmed and whether the impact is short or long term before reaching a judgement.

Revision notes

Core ideas

Secure these ideas first. Say each definition in your own words, then connect it to the topic overview.

  • Data Protection Act: UK legislation setting principles and responsibilities for processing personal data.
  • Computer Misuse Act: UK legislation making unauthorised access and certain computer attacks criminal offences.
  • Copyright: Legal protection for creators' original work against unauthorised copying or use.

Revision notes

Apply it in the exam

The exam will rarely ask for an isolated definition. Practise selecting the right idea and using it as part of a complete explanation or method.

  • Digital divide: Unequal access to digital devices, connectivity or skills.
  • E-waste: Discarded electronic equipment that may contain valuable and hazardous materials.
  • Stakeholder: A person or group affected by or able to influence a decision.

Core knowledge

Key facts for Ethical, Legal and Environmental Impacts

1

Data Protection Act

UK legislation setting principles and responsibilities for processing personal data.

2

Computer Misuse Act

UK legislation making unauthorised access and certain computer attacks criminal offences.

3

Copyright

Legal protection for creators' original work against unauthorised copying or use.

4

Digital divide

Unequal access to digital devices, connectivity or skills.

5

E-waste

Discarded electronic equipment that may contain valuable and hazardous materials.

6

Stakeholder

A person or group affected by or able to influence a decision.

Active recall

Close the notes and answer these

  1. 1.Without looking, explain data protection act and give one example or consequence.
  2. 2.Without looking, explain computer misuse act and give one example or consequence.
  3. 3.Without looking, explain copyright and give one example or consequence.
  4. 4.Without looking, explain digital divide and give one example or consequence.

Content reviewed 23 July 2026 against the current linked specification.

Finished learning?

Mark the notes complete, then test what you can recall.

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