Tampering with computer data
This law is about messing with computer data without permission. A person breaks this law if they change, delete, steal, or share computer files, programs, passwords, or other people's personal information without being allowed to. Looking at someone else's information on a computer without permission also counts. This is normally a smaller crime, but it becomes a bigger crime if the person did it to trick someone or steal something worth $750 or more.
Classifications stated in the statute. Actual outcomes vary.
569.095. with computer data — penalties. — 1. A person commits the of tampering with computer data if he or she and without or without to believe that he has such authorization:
(1) Modifies or destroys data or programs residing or existing internal to a computer, computer system, or ; or
(2) Modifies or destroys data or programs or residing or existing external to a computer, computer system, or computer network; or
(3) Discloses or takes data, programs, or supporting documentation, residing or existing internal or external to a computer, computer system, or computer network; or
(4) Discloses or takes a password, identifying code, , or other confidential about a computer system or network that is intended to or does control access to the computer system or network;
(5) Accesses a computer, a computer system, or a computer network, and intentionally examines information about another person;
(6) Receives, retains, uses, or discloses any data he knows or believes was obtained in violation of this .
2. The offense of tampering with computer data is a , unless the offense is committed for the purpose of devising or executing any or to obtain any property, the value of which is seven hundred fifty dollars or more, in which case it is a .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1982 H.B. 1454, et al. § 2, A.L. 1987 H.B. 208, A.L. 2002 H.B. 1888, A.L. 2014 S.B. 491) Effective 1-01-17 Civil action for tampering with computer data, expenses, attorney fees, 537.525
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.