Lec 10- CYBERLAW

In this chapter, we make a group and do some research about topic that he provides. Our topic is about "Communication and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulation 200)".

But in this post, i will not explain about malaysia regulation since i don't know about regulation in Malaysia. In this post, i will explain about CYBERLAW.

Cyberlaw is a term that encapsulates the legal issues related to use of communicative, transactional, and distributive aspects of networked information devices and technologies. It is less a distinct field of law in the way that property or contract are, as it is a domain covering many areas of law and regulation. Some leading topics include intellectual property, privacy, freedom of expression, and jurisdiction. (Resource).

Why computer crime is hard to define
1. Creating and changing laws are slow processes
2. Particular computer can be the subject, object or a medium of a crime. A computer can be attacked (attempted unauthorized access).

Digital Signature Act 1997
Why the Act exists
Transactions conducted via the Internet are increasing. As identities in cyberspace can be falsified and messages tampered with, there is a need for transacting parties to ascertain each other's identity and the integrity of the messages, thereby removing doubt and the possibility of fraud when conducting transactions online.

What the Act is about
The Act mainly provides for the licensing and regulation of Certification Authorities (CA). CAs issue Digital Signatures and will certify the identity (within certain limits) of a signor by issuing a certificate. The Act also makes a digital signature as legally valid and enforceable as a traditional signature. The Digital Signature Act was brought into force on 1st October 1998.

Computer Crime Act 1997
Why the Act exists:
As computing becomes more central to people's life and work, computers become both targets and tools of crime. This Act serves to ensure that misuse of computers is an offense.
What the Act is about
The Act makes it an offense to:

1. Enter or attempt to enter into computers and computer systems without authorization
2. Damage or alter data/information in computers or computer systems by planting viruses or other means
3. Aid people in doing items 1 & 2
4. Give passwords to people who are not authorized to receive it
The Computer Crimes Act was brought into force on 1st June 2000.

Telemedicine Act 1997
Why the Act exists
Healthcare systems and providers around the world are becoming interconnected. People and local healthcare providers can thus source quality healthcare advice and consultation from specialists from around the world, independent of geographical location. Conversely, interconnectivity also allows for non-quality healthcare advice and consultation from around the world. The Act serves to regulate the practice of teleconsultations in the medical profession.

What the Act is about
The Act provides that any registered doctor may practise "telemedicine" but other healthcare providers (such as a medical assistant, nurse or midwife) must first obtain a license to do so.

The Copyright (Amendment) Act 1997
Why the Act exists
Copyright serves to protect the expression of thoughts and ideas from unauthorized copying and/or alteration. With the convergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), creative expression is now being captured and communicated in new forms (example: multimedia products, broadcast of movies over the Internet and cable TV). These new forms need protection.

What the Amendment Act is about
The Copyright (Amendment) Act amends the Copyright Act 1987 to extend copyright law to the new and converged multimedia environment. There is now clear protection accorded to multimedia works. The transmission of copyright works over the Internet now clearly amounts to infringement. Technological methods of ensuring works and authorship info are not altered or removed is also protected. The Copyright (Amendment) Act 1997 was brought into force on 1st April 1999.

The Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
Why the Act exists
Convergence of technologies is also resulting in the convergence of the following industries: telecommunications, broadcasting, computing and content. Previously, each of these industries was regulated by several different pieces of legislation (example: the Telecommunications Act 1950 and the Broadcasting Act 1988). The old regulatory framework cannot cope with convergence and inhibits the growth of the new converged industry.

What the Act is about
The CMA provides for a restructuring of the converged ICT industry. It creates a new system of licenses and defines the roles and responsibilities of those providing communication and multimedia services. Though intended to allow the converged ICT industry to be self-regulating, the Act also provides for the existence of the Communication and Multimedia Commission (the roles and powers of which are more clearly defined by the Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998) as a new regulatory authority to oversee the converged ICT industry. The Communications and Multimedia Act was brought into force on 1st April 1999.