S. 2475 Summary

• Expands definitions of computer-related terms in penal law to include "computer system," "government computer system," "public safety infrastructure computer system," "computer contaminant," "internet domain name," "electronic mail," and "profile."

• Creates new crimes: unlawful disruption of computer services in the second degree (class A misdemeanor) and first degree (class E felony when targeting government or public safety systems), unlawful computer access assistance in the second degree (class A misdemeanor) and first degree (class E felony for public safety systems), unauthorized use of internet domain names or profiles (class A misdemeanor), and unlawful introduction of computer contaminants (class A misdemeanor).

• Modifies existing crimes to expand unlawful duplication of computer-related material in the second degree to include all data and supporting documentation, and enhances computer tampering in the third degree to include alterations to public safety infrastructure computer systems.

• Establishes civil liability allowing owners or lessees to sue for compensatory damages (including verification costs), injunctive relief, and reasonable attorney's fees, with a three-year statute of limitations.

• Authorizes forfeiture of computers, systems, networks, software, or data owned by defendants used in committing computer crimes and requires colleges to include computer-related crimes in campus conduct rules with penalties up to dismissal.