“Article”

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

The clause defines “article” for the purposes of clause 6 and 7 offences and some other connected provisions. It gives the term a breadth of meaning that is needed in these days of computer crime. It makes it clear that the definition includes any programme or data held in electronic form that may be used in the course of, or in connection with, fraud.

Given the intense and rapid extension of technology in recent years, it is vital that the new offences give sufficient coverage to articles such as computer programmes that generate real credit card numbers, or computer templates that can be used to produce fake utility bills as proof of identity. The wording of this part of the clause follows wording in section 17 of the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 8 ordered to stand part of the Bill.