HB4642 Summary

• Amends Section 17-51 of the Criminal Code to expand computer tampering offenses to include unauthorized access to email, instant messaging, and social networking accounts without authorization.

• Creates new penalties for account-based offenses: Class B misdemeanor for simple unauthorized access; Class A misdemeanor for first violations involving viewing content, deleting communications, or changing passwords; Class 4 felony for second violations.

• Adds prohibition on unauthorized access to social networking accounts to alter privacy settings or gain access to private content, classified as Class A misdemeanor for first offense and Class 4 felony for subsequent offenses.

• Modifies the Harassing and Obscene Communications Act to create Class A misdemeanor offense for repeated unwanted harassing communications within one week and makes violation of cyberstalking provisions a Class 4 felony under specified circumstances.

• Establishes minimum penalties including fines of $500-$1,000 or 30-80 hours of community service for certain computer tampering violations involving email and social media accounts.