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Unit 8: Ethics

8.3 Legal Context for Computing

Last edited 571 days ago by Makiel [Muh-Keel].

CPSR

CPSR is a global organization promoting the responsible use of computer technology. Founded in 1981, CPSR educates policymakers and the public on a wide range of issues.

FCC

The

Federal Communications Commission (opens new tab)(opens in new tab)⁠

(FCC) is an independent U.S. government agency that regulates communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.

ITS

The

Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (opens new tab)(opens in new tab)⁠

(ITS) is the research and engineering laboratory of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). It promotes the development of advanced telecommunications and information infrastructure in the United States.

NIST

The

National Institute of Standards and Technology (opens new tab)(opens in new tab)⁠

(NIST) promotes the development and deployment of systems that are reliable, usable, interoperable, and secure; advances measurement science through innovations in mathematics, statistics, and computer science; and conducts research to develop the measurements and standards infrastructure for emerging information technologies and applications in the United States.

NSA

The

National Security Agency (opens new tab)⁠

(NSA) is the U.S. government agency that is responsible for the health and security of American vital data and networks. Some examples may be confidential resources stored at the Department of Defense, networks responsible for the U.S. power grid, and military operations.

US Federal IT Regulations

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act

Prohibits intentionally accessing a computer without authorization or in excess of authorization; the anti-hacking law

Electronic Communication Privacy Act

Confirms an individual’s right to private communication, making it illegal for ISPs to share information about clients’ communication

Communication Assistance for Law Enforce

Requires U.S. telecommunications carriers to modify their equipment to accommodate law enforcement tabs

Anticybersquatting Consumer Protection Act

Protects U.S. organizations from purchasing domain names that are identical and confusingly similar to a trademarked name

Federal Information Security Management Act

Requires each U.S. federal agency to develop, document, and implement an agencywide program providing information security

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

Provides U.S. federal protections for personal health information and gives patients’ rights with respect to their health information

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Requires the U.S. Federal government’s information and communications be accessible to persons with disabilities

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Gives U.S. students a right to their own protected records, and prevents colleges from sharing student information without explicit authorization

Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act

Requires written agreements between agencies before data for use in matching programs can be shared

Digital Millennium Copyright Act

Specifies the rights of copyright owners and users of digital media