Using police database for obtaining information in circumstances where use is expressly forbidden is a crime

Van Buren Vs United States (Supreme Court of United States)

Facts- The main issue involved is unauthorized access of computer under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 86 by a police sergeant. As alleged, the police sergeant used his patrol-car computer to access a law enforcement database to retrieve information about a particular license plate number in exchange for money. The actions of police sergeant were part of Federal Bureau of Investigation sting operation. Accordingly, he was charged with a felony violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 1986.

Conclusion- It was held that ‘In the end, the Act may or may not cover a wide array of conduct because of changes in technology that have occurred since 1984. But the text makes one thing clear: Using a police database to obtain information in circumstances where that use is expressly forbidden is a crime’.

FULL TEXT OF THE ORDER OF SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES

Syllabus

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