When was the Computer Misuse Act introduced?

The Computer Misuse Act was introduced in 1990. This piece of legislation was established in the United Kingdom to address the growing concern over computer-related crimes, providing a legal framework to tackle offenses such as hacking, unauthorized access to computer systems, and data theft. The Act defines various types of offenses, such as unauthorized access to computer material, unauthorized access with the intent to commit further offenses, and unauthorized modifications to computer material.

The timing of the introduction in 1990 was particularly significant as it coincided with the rapid advancement of technology and the increasing prevalence of personal and commercial computers. This legislation was a pioneering effort to provide legal solutions to crimes that did not have clear legal definitions prior to this era, underscoring the necessity of evolving laws to keep pace with technological developments.