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Computer Misuse Act 1990 (UK) Section 3

3.(1) A Person is guilty of an offence if -

     (a) he does any act which causes an unauthorised modification of the
         contents of any computer; and
     (b) at the time when he does the act he has the requisite intent and the
         requisite knowledge.

  (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above the requisite intent is an
      intent to cause a modification of the contents of any computer and by so
      doing -

      (a) to impair the operation of any computer;
      (b) to prevent or hinder access to any program or data held in any
          computer; or
      (c) to impair the operation of any such program or the reliability of any
          such data.

  (3) The intent need not be directed at -

      (a) any particular computer;
      (b) any particular program or data or a program or data of any
          particular kind; or
      (c) any particular modification or a modification of any particular
          kind.

  (4) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above the requisite knowledge is
      knowledge that any modification he intends to cause is unauthorised.

  (5) It is immaterial for the purposes of this section whether an unauthorised
      modification or any intended effect of it of a kind mentioned in
      subsection (2) above is, or is intended to be, permanent or merely
      temporary.

  (6) For the purposes of the Criminal Damage Act 1971 a modification of
      the contents of a computer shall not be regarded as damaging any
      computer or computer storage medium unless its effect on that computer
      or computer storage medium impairs its physical condition.

  (7) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable -

     (a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
         six months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to
         both; and
     (b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not
         exceeding five years or to a fine or to both.


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