A4782

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.