Georgia bill would make it illegal to use a computer without permission
It might soon be illegal in Georgia to hack or log into a computer without permission, even if no information is disrupted or stolen.
Senate Bill 315, introduced this week by Sen. Bruce Thompson, R-White, would create the crime of unauthorized computer access, a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $5,000 and up to 12 months in jail.
Attorney General Chris Carr said Georgia is one of only three states in the nation where it's not illegal to access a computer as long as nothing is disrupted or stolen.
“This doesn’t make any sense. Unlawfully accessing any computer in Georgia should be a crime, and we must fix this loophole,” Carr said in a statement. “This bill will help us more effectively fight cybercrime in our state.”
Any equipment used to access a computer without permission would be considered contraband, subject to forfeiture to the state, according to the legislation.
The bill was referred to the Senate Public Safety Committee for consideration.
About the Author
Mark Niesse is an enterprise reporter and covers elections and Georgia government for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is considered an expert on elections and voting. Before joining the AJC, he worked for The Associated Press in Atlanta, Honolulu and Montgomery, Alabama. He also reported for The Daily Report and The Santiago Times in Chile.
