SCOTUS limits core anti-hacking law in Van Buren decision

Source: https://www.protocol.com/supreme-court-van-buren

In a narrow interpretation of the law, the #court essentially interpreted the #CFAA as a prohibition on breaking into a #computer system, whether that's as an outside #hacker or as an authorized user breaking into some gated part of that system.

"This provision covers those who obtain information from particular areas in the computer—such as files, folders, or databases—to which their computer access does not extend," the majority opinion reads. "It does not cover those who, like #VanBuren, have improper motives for obtaining information that is otherwise available to them."

Now remember the case of #AaronSchwartz. He downloaded the files with his normal access rights and did not commit any #crime according to the decision above. Nevertheless, he was investigated, which led to his suicide. Unfortunately, this will probably have no #consequences for the #prosecution.

#justice #usa #law #technology #information #news #security #access #police