IC 35-43-2-3 — Computer trespass; computer hoarding programs
Chapter 2. Burglary and Trespass
Bills amending this section
Bills citing this section
Section text
Sec. 3. (a) As used in this section: "Access" means to: (1) approach; (2) instruct; (3) communicate with; (4) store data in; (5) retrieve data from; or (6) make use of resources of; a computer, computer system, or computer network. "Computer network" means the interconnection of communication lines or wireless telecommunications with a computer or wireless telecommunication device through: (1) remote terminals; (2) a complex consisting of two (2) or more interconnected computers; or (3) a worldwide collection of interconnected networks operating as the Internet. The term includes a cellular telephone or other wireless or cellular communications device. "Computer system" means a set of related computer equipment, software, or hardware. "Hoarding program" means a computer program designed to bypass or neutralize a security measure, access control system, or similar system used by the owner of a computer network or computer system to limit the amount of merchandise that one (1) person may purchase by means of a computer network. (b) A person who knowingly or intentionally accesses: (1) a computer system; (2) a computer network; or (3) any part of a computer system or computer network; without the consent of the owner of the computer system or computer network, or the consent of the owner's licensee, commits computer trespass, a Class A misdemeanor. (c) A person who knowingly or intentionally uses a hoarding program to purchase merchandise by means of a computer network commits computer merchandise hoarding, a Class C infraction. A person commits a separate infraction for each item of merchandise purchased. However, the violation is a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated adjudication or conviction for a violation of this section within the previous five (5) years. It is a defense to a prosecution under this subsection that the person used the hoarding program with the permission of the person selling the merchandise. (d) A person who knowingly or intentionally sells, purchases, or distributes a hoarding program commits unlawful distribution of a hoarding program, a Class C infraction. A person commits a separate infraction for each sale, purchase, or distribution of a hoarding program. However, the violation is a Class C misdemeanor if the person has a prior unrelated adjudication or conviction for a violation of this section within the previous five (5) years. It is a defense to a prosecution under this subsection that the hoarding program was sold, purchased, or distributed for legitimate scientific or educational purposes.
As added by P.L.35-1986, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.29-2001, SEC.1; P.L.79-2009, SEC.1; P.L.32-2019, SEC.28; P.L.111-2026, SEC.6.
Source: official publisher (2026 edition)