Clarifies criminal liability for unauthorized access to password-protected electronic communications in New Jersey.

This bill amends New Jersey’s wiretapping statute to clarify criminal liability for unauthorized access to password-protected electronic communications in storage, such as email accounts. It specifies that unauthorized access without proper credentials or consent is a crime. A fourth-degree crime applies for unauthorized access, while a third-degree crime applies if the access is for commercial advantage, gain, or malicious intent. The changes apply to any unlawful access occurring after the bill’s effective date.

Clarifies criminal liability for unauthorized access to password-protected electronic communications in New Jersey.

This bill amends New Jersey’s wiretapping statute to clarify criminal liability for unauthorized access to password-protected electronic communications in storage, such as email accounts. It specifies that unauthorized access without proper credentials or consent is a crime. A fourth-degree crime applies for unauthorized access, while a third-degree crime applies if the access is for commercial advantage, gain, or malicious intent. The changes apply to any unlawful access occurring after the bill’s effective date.