Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for (a) the Home Department and (b) Science, Innovation and Technology on the potential merits of updating the Computer Misuse Act 1990 to enhance national cyber resilience through strengthened legal protections for cybersecurity researchers.

Answered by Abena Oppong-Asare - Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)

The Government recognises the significant role that UK cybersecurity professionals play in enhancing and protecting the country’s resilience against cyber threats; it is essential that we provide them with the necessary support. The Home Office is currently reviewing the Computer Misuse Act, and as part of this process, officials are considering the issue of strengthened legal protections for legitimate cybersecurity researchers. However, this work is complex and requires careful consideration. Without robust safeguards and oversight, the introduction of legal protections could significantly hinder law enforcement's ability to prosecute cyber criminality.

To address this, the Home Office is collaborating with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the National Cyber Security Centre, law enforcement agencies, and the cybersecurity industry to evaluate the safeguards that would need to accompany any implementation of strengthened legal protections. An update will be provided in due course.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate her Department has made of the potential impact of limitations on enhanced cybersecurity techniques under the current Computer Misuse Act 1990 on (a) the economy, (b) full-time equivalent jobs and (c) contracts awarded to other jurisdictions.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government recognises the major role UK cybersecurity professionals play in supporting the economy and protecting the UK’s resilience against cyber threats, and it is vital that we support them.

In an increasingly digital world, the Home Office is committed to ensuring the Computer Misuse Act remains up to date and fit for purpose. The Home Office is reviewing the CMA. As part of this, officials are considering the issue of strengthened legal protections for legitimate cyber security researchers and how this could unlock economic growth. However, this work is complex and requires careful consideration, in order to protect law enforcement’s ability to prosecute cyber criminality.

The Home Office will provide further updates in due course.

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department has taken to assess the impact of the barriers imposed by the Computer Misuse Act 1990 on cybersecurity professionals' ability to deploy and use artificial intelligence tools to enhance the UK’s resilience against increasing cyber threats.

Answered by Dan Jarvis - Minister of State (Home Office)

The Government recognises the major role UK cybersecurity professionals play in enhancing and protecting the UK’s resilience against cyber threats, and it is vital that we support them.

In an increasingly digital world, it is important that the CMA remains up to date and fit for purpose. The Home Office is in the process of reviewing the CMA, including considering the impact of emerging technologies such as AI. It is important that any changes brought forward are proportionate and do not undermine law enforcement’s ability to take action against cyber criminals. The Home Office will update on proposals taken forward in due course.

Service with the British Commanders’-In-Chief Mission to the Soviet Forces in Germany, 1946-1990