El Reg is reporting on how a teenager who allegedly sent five million emails to his former employer has been released from the case because he didn’t actually do anything illegal.
This case centred around out Computer Misuse Act (MCA), especially the part which says you aren’t allowed to modify systems without authorisation.
The judge decided that this was not a case of unauthorised modification, because the email servers were set up to receive emails. So, even though the emails overwhelmed the server, it’s not something that is illegal.
The defendant wasn’t even called to testify, though, so he (or she) might not even be guilty.
Perhaps a few little reforms are needed in the way of MCA?
Still, don’t get any ideas, guys.
Looking back at the title, which I’m reluctant to change, it should really be ‘Email bombing legal in UK’.
Two wrongs don’t make a right, but two negatives to make a positive. Unless you’re adding them.