{"data":{"id":"us-pa/18-pa.c.s.-5741","jurisdiction":"us-pa","citation":"18 Pa.C.S. § 5741","heading":"Unlawful access to stored communications.","body":"(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:\n(1) accessing without authorization a facility through which an electronic communication service is provided; or\n(2) exceeding the scope of one's authorization to access the facility.\n(b) Penalty.--\n(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:\n(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\n(ii) a fine of not more than $250,000 or imprisonment for not more than two years, or both, for any subsequent offense.\n(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.\n(c) Exceptions.--Subsection (a) of this section does not apply with respect to conduct authorized:\n(1) by the person or entity providing a wire or electronic communication service;\n(2) by a user of that service with respect to a communication of or intended for that user; or\n(3) in section 5743 (relating to requirements for governmental access) or 5744 (relating to backup preservation).","path":["Title 18 - CRIMES AND OFFENSES","PART II DEFINITION OF SPECIFIC OFFENSES","ARTICLE F OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND DECENCY","CHAPTER 57 WIRETAPPING AND ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE","SUBCHAPTER C STORED WIRE AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSACTIONAL RECORDS ACCESS"],"source_url":"https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM\u0026ttl=18\u0026div=0\u0026chpt=57\u0026sctn=41\u0026subsctn=0","current_through":"2026-08-31 (Statute Update stamp, 18 Pa.C.S.)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-02T16:31:28Z","sha256":"236fcf2919afdd215d14be1e37b036fa4ca0a67f16a7f7617fc1c85df8f763e7","source_id":"us-pa","stale":false,"prev":"us-pa/18-pa.c.s.-5729","next":"us-pa/18-pa.c.s.-5742"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}