Skip to content

CS Professional · Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Cyber Security - Laws and Practice · Computer Hardware and Software

A company runs unlicensed copies of an operating system on 40 office computers and also alters the operating system's licence-verification code so the copies appear genuine. Considering both technology and cyber law in India, which statement is most accurate?

Unlicensed use infringes software copyright under the Copyright Act, 1957, even for internal use, and altering the licence-verification code can attract IT Act, 2000 offences such as tampering with computer source documents or damaging systems. Internal use, absence of sale or the idea that only civil liability exists are not valid defences.

  1. AUsing unlicensed copies infringes copyright in the software under the Copyright Act, 1957, and tampering with computer source code or systems may attract offences under the Information Technology Act, 2000Correct
  2. BOnly the Information Technology Act applies because operating systems are not protected by copyright
  3. COnly civil liability arises, since software piracy by a company can never be an offence
  4. DNo liability arises if the copies are used only internally and not sold

Explanation

Computer programs are protected as literary works under the Copyright Act, so unlicensed use infringes copyright even if used only internally. Altering licence-verification code can also engage IT Act provisions on tampering and damage to computer systems. The other options wrongly deny copyright protection or criminal exposure.

Did you get it right without looking?

One question tells you little. A timed set on Computer Hardware and Software shows your real accuracy, how long you take and where you lose marks.

Practise Computer Hardware and SoftwareFree diagnostic mock

More Computer Hardware and Software questions