The Georgia Computer System Protection Act

The Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act was enacted by the 1991 Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor effective July 1, 1991.

Computer Theft

Any person who uses a computer or computer network with knowledge that such use is without authority and with the intention of:

1. Taking or appropriating any property of another, whether or not with the intention of depriving the owner of possession;
2. Obtaining property by an deceitful means or artful practice; or
3. Converting property to such person's use in violation of an agreement or other known legal obligation to make a specified application or disposition of such property

shall be guilty of the crime of computer theft.

Computer Trespass

Any person who uses a computer or computer network with knowledge that such use is without authority and with the intention of:

1. Deleting or in any way removing, either temporarily or permanently, any computer program or data from a computer or computer network;
2. Obstructing, interrupting, or in any way interfering with the use of a computer program or data; or
3. Altering, damaging, or in any way causing the malfunction of a computer, computer network, or computer program, regardless of how long the alteration, damage, or malfunction persists

shall be guilty of the crime of computer trespass.

Any person convicted of the crime of computer theft, computer trespass, computer invasion of privacy, or computer forgery shall be fined not more than $50,000 or imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both.