Internet Freedom and Computer Abuse

24 Pages Posted: 28 Sep 2013

See all articles by Lothar Determann

Lothar Determann

Freie Universität Berlin; Baker & McKenzie LLP; Berkeley School of Law; University of California Hastings College of the Law

Date Written: March 22, 2013

Abstract

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act: Transformation After Tragedy Symposium at University of California, Hastings College of the Law, San Francisco, Friday, March 22, 2013 Keynote Speech.

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (“CFAA”) has a bad reputation. It is associated with constitutional law challenges and community outrage. It played a role in the tragic suicide of Aaron Swartz, computer programmer, Internet activist and CFAA defendant. It has been decried as a basis for abuse of justice, which is ironic, given its title and focus on punishing abuse. It has been called “the worst law in technology” and “the most outrageous criminal law you’ve never heard of.” It is loathed and feared as a threat to Internet freedom.

Keywords: computer fraud, abuse

Suggested Citation

Determann, Lothar and Determann, Lothar, Internet Freedom and Computer Abuse (March 22, 2013). Hastings Communications and Entertainment Law Journal, Vol. 35, No. 3, p. 429, 2013, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2298880

Lothar Determann (Contact Author)

Freie Universität Berlin ( email )

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Baker & McKenzie LLP ( email )

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Berkeley School of Law ( email )

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University of California Hastings College of the Law ( email )

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San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

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