united-states internet online-piracy cfaa
Computer Fraud and Abuse Act equivalent for citizens
<p>What equivalent do ordinary US citizens have in terms of digital protectionss, as the US government and its financial interests have as defined in the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act?</p>

<p>The US CFAA is by no means limited to &quot;the US government and its financial interests &quot;. It currently applies to any computer which is &quot;protected&quot;. 18 USC § 1030(e)(2) defines a &quot;protected computer&quot; as (in part):</p>
<blockquote>
<p>a computer ... (B) which is used in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce or communication, including a computer located outside the United States that is used in a manner that affects interstate or foreign commerce or communication of the United States</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This covers any computer connected to the internet.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1030" rel="noreferrer">18 USC § 1030</a> (a)(2) (C) applies to anyone who obtains without authorization :</p>
<blockquote>
<p>information from any protected computer;</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Of course, nothing requires federal prosecutors to bring charges for all acts which technically violate this sub-section. If someone hacks another person's holiday card address list, I doubt if a CFAA prosecution would be brought, but it could be if the US Attorney thought fit.</p>
