[dreww]

(IANAL)

more than likely, yes. see US vs. auernheimer for a recent example. the complaint is here: http://i.cdn.turner.com/dr/teg/tsg/release/sites/default/fil...

The complaint indicates that AT&T's publicly accessible endpoint is a protected computer under Title 18, United States Code, Section 1030(e)(2). a protected computer is basically any computer used for interstate or foreign commerce in the US, or outside the US if it affects the commerce thereof.

the issue hinges on intent - if you know that you're exceeding authorized access to obtain something of value. 18 USC 1030 was created in 1986 by the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and is often panned for being incredibly broad.

See this wikipedia page for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_Fraud_and_Abuse_Act

(IANAL)

[VladRussian]

>the issue hinges on intent - if you know that you're exceeding authorized access to obtain something of value.

entertainment value?