Computer Misuse Act 1990

[Howard Phillips]

Everybody seems to have forgotten this Act.

It makes it illegal for anyone to modify your computer is such a way to
alter its functionality, either by virus, or any other code or act,
punishable with up to 5 years imprisonment. This includes browser hi-jacks
and pop-ups or in any other way that compromises your security.

[-=ô;ö=-]

"Howard Phillips" <NoBody@SpamCop.net> wrote in message
news:bom04s$s6d$1@hercules.btinternet.com...
| Everybody seems to have forgotten this Act.
|
| It makes it illegal for anyone to modify your computer is such a way to
| alter its functionality, either by virus, or any other code or act,
| punishable with up to 5 years imprisonment. This includes browser hi-jacks
| and pop-ups or in any other way that compromises your security.
|
|

True, but EULA's seem to hide the fine print just enough to subvert the act..

[Robin T Cox]

"Howard Phillips" <NoBody@SpamCop.net> wrote in
news:bom04s$s6d$1@hercules.btinternet.com:

> Everybody seems to have forgotten this Act.
>
> It makes it illegal for anyone to modify your computer is such a way
> to alter its functionality, either by virus, or any other code or act,
> punishable with up to 5 years imprisonment. This includes browser
> hi-jacks and pop-ups or in any other way that compromises your
> security.
>
>

There was a question in the Lords in March 2002 about the number of
prosecutions under this Act:
http://www.parliament.the-stationery-
office.co.uk/pa/ld199900/ldhansrd/pdvn/lds02/text/20326w02.htm

But, as you say, since then it seems to have died the death: probably
because of the sheer difficulty of enforcing criminal proceedings under it.