(a) Offense.--Except as provided in subsection (c), it is an offense to obtain, alter or prevent authorized access to a wire or electronic communication while it is in electronic storage by intentionally:
(1) accessing without authorization a facility through which an electronic communication service is provided; or
(2) exceeding the scope of one's authorization to access the facility.
(b) Penalty.--
(1) If the offense is committed for the purpose of commercial advantage, malicious destruction or damage, or private commercial gain, the offender shall be subject to:
(i) a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, in the case of a first offense; or
(ii) a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for any subsequent offense.
(2) In any other case, the offender shall be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
(c) Exceptions.--Subsection (a) of this section does not apply with respect to conduct authorized:
(1) by the person or entity providing a wire or electronic communication service;
(2) by a user of that service with respect to a communication of or intended for that user; or
(3) in section 5743 (relating to requirements for governmental access) or 5744 (relating to backup preservation).
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES
Chapter 57 - Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance
Section 5701 - Short title of chapter
Section 5703 - Interception, disclosure or use of wire, electronic or oral communications
Section 5704 - Exceptions to prohibition of interception and disclosure of communications
Section 5707 - Seizure and forfeiture of electronic, mechanical or other devices
Section 5708 - Order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications
Section 5709 - Application for order
Section 5710 - Grounds for entry of order
Section 5711 - Privileged communications
Section 5712 - Issuance of order and effect
Section 5712.1 - Target-specific orders
Section 5713 - Emergency situations
Section 5713.1 - Emergency hostage and barricade situations
Section 5714 - Recording of intercepted communications
Section 5715 - Sealing of applications, orders and supporting papers
Section 5716 - Service of inventory and inspection of intercepted communications
Section 5718 - Interception of communications relating to other offenses
Section 5719 - Unlawful use or disclosure of existence of order concerning intercepted communication
Section 5722 - Report by issuing or denying judge
Section 5723 - Annual reports and records of Attorney General and district attorneys
Section 5726 - Action for removal from office or employment
Section 5727 - Expiration (Repealed)
Section 5728 - Injunction against illegal interception
Section 5741 - Unlawful access to stored communications
Section 5742 - Disclosure of contents and records
Section 5743 - Requirements for governmental access
Section 5743.1 - Administrative subpoena
Section 5744 - Backup preservation
Section 5746 - Cost reimbursement
Section 5748 - Exclusivity of remedies
Section 5749 - Retention of certain records
Section 5761 - Mobile tracking devices
Section 5771 - General prohibition on use of certain devices and exception
Section 5772 - Application for an order for use of certain devices
Section 5773 - Issuance of an order for use of certain devices
Section 5774 - Assistance in installation and use of certain devices
Section 5775 - Reports concerning certain devices