THE COMPUTER MISUSE ACT - 2011

Plain-Language Summary

This law makes it a crime to hack into computers, steal data, or damage computer systems. It also creates new offences for things like sending hateful messages, sharing false or malicious information about someone, using fake identities on social media, and posting about children without permission. Police can get warrants to seize computers and force companies to hand over user data. Punishments include big fines and up to life in prison for attacking 'protected' computers (like those used for banking, healthcare, or national security).