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Can you summarize 1990 > Computer Misuse Act 1990?
1990 > Computer Misuse Act 1990
Short Summary
The provided legal document content pertains to the Computer Misuse Act 1990 in the UK. It specifically covers computer misuse offenses, including the making, adapting, supplying, or offering to supply of articles intended for use in such offenses. It also addresses the obtaining of articles with the intention of using them for computer misuse offenses. The Act defines ‘article’ to include any program or data held in electronic form. The penalties for offenses under this Act vary depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the offense. The document also discusses the territorial scope of offenses and inchoate offenses under the Act, establishing the jurisdiction for offenses and clarifying that certain questions related to conspiracy or attempts to commit an offense under the Act are immaterial to the accused’s guilt. The Act applies to England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, but does not extend to Scotland. The document provides provisions for the interpretation of jurisdiction and significant links with domestic jurisdiction for offenses under certain sections of the Act. It also introduces provisions for offenses under section 3ZA, where additional significant links with domestic jurisdiction are specified. Additionally, the document includes information about the issuance of search warrants for offenses under section 1 of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 in Northern Ireland. It grants the power to county court judges to issue warrants based on reasonable grounds for believing that an offense has been or is about to be committed in certain premises, and that evidence of the offense is present in those premises. The warrant authorizes constables to enter and search the premises using reasonable force, but does not extend to privileged, excluded, and special procedure material. The warrant may also authorize persons to accompany the constable executing the warrant, and it remains in force for twenty-eight days. During the execution of the warrant, a constable may seize an article if there is a reasonable belief that it is evidence of the offense. The term ‘premises’ includes land, buildings, movable structures, vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and hovercraft. This document specifically applies to Northern Ireland.
Whom does it apply to?
The Computer Misuse Act 1990 applies to individuals who engage in computer misuse offenses, supply or offer to supply articles for such offenses, or obtain articles with the intention of using them for computer misuse offenses.
What does it govern?
Computer Misuse Act 1990 governs the securing of computer material against unauthorized access or modification, as well as related offenses and jurisdiction.
What are exemptions?
No specific exemptions are mentioned in the provided legal document content.
What are the Penalties?
The penalties for offenses under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 vary depending on the jurisdiction and type of conviction. In cases involving serious damage to human welfare or national security, the penalties can include imprisonment for life, a fine, or both.
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom