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Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment

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Written by
Josh Taaffe
Criminal Defence Lawyer

Contact Josh Taaffe 

03 9670 5111


Other (inc. Computer Offences) - VIC
The Law - Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment

What the Law states - Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment


Crimes Act 1958 - SECT 247C

Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment

247C. Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment

A person who-

(a) causes any unauthorised modification of data held in a computer; and

(b) knows that the modification is unauthorised; and

(c) intends by the modification to impair access to, or to impair the reliability, security or operation of, any data held in a computer or is reckless as to any such impairment-

is guilty of an offence and liable to level 5 imprisonment (10 years maximum).

Maximum Penalty in Victoria



10 years

What the Prosecution must prove - Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment - Vic



1. That the accused caused a modification of data held in a computer
2. The modification was unauthorised
3. The accused knew the modification was unauthorised
4. The accused inteded by the modification or was reckless as to the modification either
(i) impairing access to, or
(ii) impairing the reliability, security or operation of, any data held in a computer.

Possible Defences - Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment


1. Factual Dispute

2. Authority

3. Duress

Which court will hear the charge of Unauthorised modification of data to cause impairment



County Court
Article published on 01/09/2009. To check if any changes to the law please discuss with one of our lawyers.
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