computer law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “computer law” mean?
The area of law that deals with the legal issues related to the use, development, and regulation of computers and information technology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The area of law that deals with the legal issues related to the use, development, and regulation of computers and information technology.
This is a subfield of law, often overlapping with intellectual property, privacy, cybercrime, and contract law. It governs the creation, storage, transmission, and use of digital information, software, hardware, and networks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'IT law' or 'information technology law' are common synonyms in both regions, perhaps slightly more common in the UK.
Connotations
Both neutral and technical. 'Computer law' may sound slightly dated, as it references a specific technology, whereas 'cyberlaw' or 'digital law' are more modern.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in academic and professional legal contexts than in everyday speech. No notable regional frequency variation.
Grammar
How to Use “computer law” in a Sentence
[Someone] practises computer law.[A firm] specialises in computer law.The case falls under computer law.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “computer law” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form derived directly from 'computer law'.]
American English
- [No standard verb form derived directly from 'computer law'.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- He is a leading computer-law barrister.
- The computer-law implications are significant.
American English
- She is a computer-law attorney.
- We face a complex computer-law issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
We need to consult a solicitor specialising in computer law for our new software licensing agreement.
Academic
Her doctoral thesis examines jurisdictional challenges in transnational computer law.
Everyday
I'm not sure if sharing that file is allowed—sounds like a computer law question.
Technical
The Computer Misuse Act 1990 is a foundational statute in UK computer law, defining offences like unauthorised access.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “computer law”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “computer law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “computer law”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a computer law'). It is typically uncountable as it refers to a field.
- Confusing it with 'computer ethics', which is about moral principles, not legal statutes.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'hacking law' (or laws against computer misuse) is just one part of computer law, which also covers areas like data privacy, e-commerce, and intellectual property.
Yes, 'cyberlaw' is a very common and modern synonym, often preferred as it encompasses the broader digital environment, not just computers.
Yes, it is a growing and highly specialised field due to our increasing reliance on digital technology and the internet.
No, that is a common misconception. It refers to laws created by humans that regulate computer technology and digital information.
The area of law that deals with the legal issues related to the use, development, and regulation of computers and information technology.
Computer law is usually technical/formal in register.
Computer law: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːtə lɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpjuːt̬ɚ lɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with this specific compound term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COMPUTER (the machine) + LAW (the rules). It's the set of RULES governing the use of the MACHINE and its digital world.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAW IS A FRAMEWORK/BOUNDARY (It creates the legal framework/space in which digital activity occurs.)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym to 'computer law' in modern usage?