Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!sdd.hp.com!decwrl!limbo!taylor
From: reynolds@syd.dit.csiro.au (Chris.Reynolds)
Newsgroups: comp.society
Subject: Re: Computers and the Law
Message-ID: <1114@limbo.Intuitive.Com>
Date: 17 Aug 90 16:28:08 GMT
Sender: taylor@limbo.Intuitive.Com
Organization: CSIRO Division of Info Tech, Sydney, Australia
Lines: 20
Approved: taylor@Limbo.Intuitive.Com

>  My query is, however, mainly concerned with the legal aspects of
>  computer crime:  cases, laws, bills, RULINGS (note emphasis),
>  etc....especially dealing with nets, computer magazines (computer
>  media).... 

While there have been no relevant court cases, the United Kingdom Data
Protection Act, if applied to the letter - makes it very difficult for anyone
in the U.K. running or using networked communications to remain a law
abiding citizen.  The Data Protection Registrar is aware of the problem -
and the relevant definitions are likely to be changed when the Act is
next amended.

For a serious discussion of the problems see my paper "Computer 
Conferencing and the Law" in Feeney & Merry's "Information Technology
and the Research Process", Bowker-Saur, pp 210-223, 1990. (Reprinted 
in the March/April issue of "The Computer Law and Security Report")
For a more light-hearted approach see the May issue of "Personal 
Computer World" (UK).

Chris Reynolds