BTEC DIT - LAC (2026)

BTEC DIT - LAC (2026)

What is location-based data? Give an example.

Location-based data shows where something or someone is located, often using GPS or mapping services. • Example: tracking delivery vehicles or showing nearby restaurants on a map app.

What is transactional data? Give an example.

Transactional data records details of events or transactions that take place. • Example: an online purchase showing the items bought, price, date and payment method.

What are cookies, and what do they do?

Cookies are small text files stored on a user's device by a website. • They can remember preferences, login details and browsing activity to improve and personalise the website experience.

What legal act regulates the responsible use of data in the UK?

The Data Protection Act 2018 regulates how personal data is collected, stored and used responsibly in the UK.

What are the risks of storing payment details online?

If systems are hacked, payment or transactional information could be stolen and used for fraud. • If data exchanged between services is not encrypted, it could be intercepted or stolen.

How is data exchanged between services?

A customer makes a purchase on a website. • The website records the information and shares it with the retailer or warehouse. • Payment details are sent to the bank for approval or decline. • The delivery address is sent to the delivery company. • The delivery company exchanges data with the retailer to confirm the delivery.

How can businesses use shared sales data to make better decisions?

Businesses can analyse shared sales data to spot trends and understand customer preferences. • They can then adjust prices, stock or marketing to improve sales and profits.

Why is mining materials such as lithium and nickel harmful to the environment?

Mining can cause habitat destruction and water pollution. • It also uses large amounts of energy, increasing carbon emissions and contributing to loss of biodiversity.

How does leaving devices such as servers and routers running 24/7 impact the environment?

Running devices continuously uses large amounts of electricity. • This increases carbon emissions and contributes to climate change and energy waste.

What are two ways to reduce electronic waste (e-waste)?

Recycle or reuse old devices and components. • Repair or upgrade equipment instead of throwing it away.

What is the benefit of upgrading a computer instead of replacing it?

Upgrading can save money and reduce e-waste. • It can improve performance without needing to buy a completely new device.

What are two ways organisations can reduce their paper usage?

Use digital documents instead of printing. • Use double-sided printing or reuse scrap paper when printing is needed.

List three benefits of equal access to technology for individuals.

Social media enables faster communication with friends and family. • Web access provides the flexibility of online shopping. • Media streaming provides a wider range of entertainment options.

List three benefits of equal access to technology for organisations.

High-speed broadband gives businesses a wider choice of locations. • Accessibility features and flexible working can widen the pool of staff available for recruitment. • Fast internet supports applications that transfer large volumes of data quickly.

What legal protections exist to ensure equal access?

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from discrimination. • It helps ensure equal access to services, technology and opportunities.

How can accessibility settings help users with disabilities?

Accessibility settings adapt devices to meet users' needs. • Examples include screen readers, voice control, text enlargement and high-contrast modes.

What is 'netiquette' and why is it important?

Netiquette means using good manners and respectful behaviour online. • It helps create a positive, safe and respectful online environment.

Why should websites be designed to work across multiple devices and technologies?

Users should be able to access information easily on phones, tablets and computers. • This improves usability, accessibility and user satisfaction.

What is an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)?

An AUP is a set of rules explaining how technology, networks and data can be used safely and responsibly within an organisation.

What are three things typically covered by an Acceptable Use Policy?

Rules for using computers and the internet safely. • Guidelines for protecting data and privacy. • Consequences for breaking the rules.

What are three ways organisations monitor behaviour under a Use Policy?

Track internet activity and websites visited. • Monitor emails and messages. • Use CCTV or login records to check system access.

What is Net Neutrality?

Net Neutrality is the principle that all internet traffic should be treated equally. • Internet providers should not block, slow down or prioritise particular websites or services.

Why is it illegal to discriminate against employees based on race or ethnicity?

The Equality Act 2010 makes it illegal to treat people unfairly because of race or ethnicity. • This supports fairness, equal opportunities and diversity in the workplace.

Give one example of a professional guideline related to IT usage.

The British Computer Society (BCS) Code of Conduct. • It sets expectations for IT professionals to act honestly, protect privacy and use technology responsibly.

What is the purpose of the Data Protection Act 2018 and what are the six data protection principles?

Purpose: to ensure personal data is used fairly, lawfully and securely. • Used lawfully, fairly and transparently. • Collected for specific purposes. • Limited to what is necessary. • Accurate and up to date. • Kept no longer than needed. • Kept securely.

What does the right to be informed mean for data subjects?

People have the right to know how their personal data is collected, used and stored. • They should also know who is using it and for what purpose.

What is data portability, and why is it useful?

Data portability allows people to obtain and reuse their personal data across different services. • It makes it easier to switch providers and stay in control of personal information.

Why are there ethical concerns about data collection on the internet?

Personal data may be collected without consent, shared or used unfairly. • This creates concerns about privacy, surveillance and loss of control over personal information.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of cookies?

Advantages: they can remember logins, preferences and shopping carts, improving the user experience. • Disadvantages: they can track users and create privacy concerns if data is shared or misused.

What is intellectual property, and why is it important?

Intellectual property (IP) is a person's original work or creation, such as software, music or designs. • It provides legal protection and helps ensure creators are rewarded for their work.

How does copyright protect creative works?

Copyright gives creators legal rights over their original work. • It stops others copying, sharing or using the work without permission.

What does the right to object to automated decision-making mean?

People can ask for a decision to be reviewed by a person if it was made only by a computer or algorithm.

What is a patent?

A patent protects a new invention. It can stop other people making, using or selling the invention without permission.

What is a licence when using copyrighted work?

A licence gives permission to use someone else's copyrighted work. You may also need to give credit to the creator.