Unauthorised modification of computer material.
5. (1) Subject to subsection (2), any person who does any act which he
knows will cause an unauthorised modification of the contents of any
computer is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not
exceeding $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or both
and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding
$20,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.
(2) If any damage is caused as a result of an offence under this
section, the person convicted of the offence is liable to a fine not exceeding
$50,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years or both.
(3) For the purposes of this section, it is immaterial that the act in
question was not directed at —
(a) any particular program or data;
(b) a program or data of any kind; or
(c) a program or data held in any particular computer.
(4) For the purposes of this section, it is immaterial whether an
unauthorised modification is, or is intended to be, permanent or temporary.
