Page:Computer Misuse Act 1993.pdf/4

4 PART I PRELIMINARY Short title and commencement

1. This Act may be cited as the Computer Misuse Act 1993 and shall come into operation on such date as the Minister may, by notification in the Gazette, appoint.

Interpretation

2.—(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

"computer" means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other data processing device, or a group of such interconnected or related devices, performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, and includes any data storage facility or communications facility directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device or group of such interconnected or related devices, but does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable hand held calculator or other similar device which is non-programmable or which does not contain any data storage facility;

"computer output" or "output" means a statement or representation (whether in written, printed, pictorial, graphical or other form) purporting to be a statement or representation of fact—
 * (a) produced by a computer; or
 * (b) accurately translated from a statement or representation so produced;

"computer service" includes computer time, data processing and the storage or retrieval of data;

"data" means representations of information or of concepts that are being prepared or have been prepared in a form suitable for use in a computer;

"electronic, acoustic, mechanical or other device" means any device or apparatus that is used or is capable of being used to intercept any function of a computer;