Controversial amendment to the Computer Misuse Act now in effect
Since 1st October 2008 in England and Wales. The Computer Misuse Act has been changed to make it an offence to make, adapt, supply or offer to supply any article which is “likely to be used to commit, or to assist in the commission of, [a hacking or unauthorised modification or DoS] offence”. It is also an offence to supply an article “believing that it is likely” to be used to commit such an offence. The meaning of “article” includes any program or data. The provisions would cover the supply of DoS or virus toolkits. Anyone convicted of breaking this section of the Act could be jailed for up to two years. This part of the law has been controversial because security researchers have said that it could impede their work.
Source: OUT-LAW.COM
ORG wiki: Police and Justice Bill 2006
