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Unauthorized Access to Personal Data

Is logging into someone else's Facebook punishable?

Yes, unauthorized login to someone else's account is intrusion into a computer system and is criminally punishable.

What if I knew the password?

If the owner gave you the password but later restricted access, logging in is still a crime.

What is the penalty for Article 284?

Fine, corrective labor, or imprisonment for up to 2 years.

Is "phishing" considered this crime?

Yes, obtaining a password via phishing and logging in constitutes unauthorized access.

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Unintentional or unauthorized access to personal information (unauthorized access to a computer system - Article 284 of the Criminal Code of Georgia) is a cybercrime involving entering someone else's computer system, database, or personal account (e.g., Facebook, bank) without the owner's permission. Even if the person "just looked" at the information and deleted or stole nothing, the act of intrusion itself is a crime. This often happens by guessing a password, phishing, or using someone's open session. Charges can be brought against both a professional hacker and an ordinary citizen who opened someone else's laptop out of curiosity.

What does the Unauthorized Access Defense service cover?

Lawyers specializing in IT law offer:

  • Technical evidence analysis: Checking IP addresses, logs, and connection sessions to determine if the accused actually performed the access.
  • Access rights verification: Whether the person was granted the right (e.g., professionally) to enter the system.
  • Proving lack of damage: Showing that the access did not result in data modification or theft, which mitigates the sentence.
  • Change of qualification: Attempting to prevent the act from being assessed as a serious cybercrime.

Common Real-World Scenarios

Charges are often related to:

  • Social media hacking: Changing the password of another person's profile and logging in.
  • Corporate espionage: Intruding into a competitor company's database.
  • Accessing an ex-partner's account: Logging into an ex's account using an old password after a breakup.

Georgian Legal Framework

Article 284 (Unauthorized access to a computer system) provides for a fine or imprisonment for up to 2 years. If the act caused data destruction, other articles apply (285, 286).

Process and Stages

The defense strategy includes:

  1. Digital expertise: Examining devices.
  2. Alibi: Proving that the accused was not physically present at the location of computer access.
  3. Court: Presenting the defense position.

Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?

Cybercrimes are technically complex. Legal.ge allows you to find lawyers who understand the IT field. Find a defender on Legal.ge.

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