Spying on my computer

Not too long ago my parents installed a monitoring program on my computer that logs all skype messages/internet activite/keystrokes etc. and also takes routine screenshots. Let me preface this by saying I am 18 years old and the computer in question is my property.

I live in the state of California and what I am asking you all is what is the law on doing something like this (punishment etc.)

I don't want 5 word answers from the first link you clicked on after a google search I want a legitimate, well thought out answer.

Thanks in advance.

 

That is one type of "hack" too.. They "hacked" on your computer and installed "hacking" software, that's illegal in every country I assume...

 

Are you paying rent in your parents house?

 

They installed a safe (hopefully), personal use only keylogger on your comp. It is not used to hack or damage any of your personal files. They must not trust you or are just protecting you from the dangers of the internet. (Which I assume you know good websites/people from bad ones.) Are you trying to take some sort of legal action against you parents for this? Wouldn't even try to do that if thats what your thinking.

Try to convince them that your not doing anything bad and you know how to use the internet properly, and you would appreciate it if they can remove it for you. Orrrr....you could remove it yourself? Lol. I don't think it can be considered illegal or a crime if you are under their roof. Best of luck.

 

computer is my property

i understand the motives

pls ip ban my parents from sythe for hax pls

 

The fact that they're your parents doesn't really mean anything in the court's eyes. You're uninstalled it right..?


"SUMMARY

Someone who hacks into another person's computer could be punished by a number of different crimes, depending on the circumstances. The law punishes hacking under the computer crime statutes. These crimes carry penalties ranging from a class B misdemeanor (punishable by up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both) to a class B felony (punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both). The law also punishes unauthorized access to a computer or computer network, with penalties ranging from a class B misdemeanor to a class D felony (punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both)."

A person commits a “computer crime” when he or she:

1. accesses a computer system without authorization;

2. accesses or uses a computer system to obtain unauthorized computer services (including computer access, data processing, and data storage);

3. intentionally or recklessly disrupts, degrades, or causes disruption or degradation of computer services or denies or causes denial of computer services to an authorized user; or

4. intentionally or recklessly tampers with, takes, transfers, conceals, alters, or damages any equipment used in a computer system.
It is also a computer crime to misuse computer system data. A person commits this crime by:

1. accessing a computer system to use, disclose, or copy data residing in, communicated by, or produced by a computer system;

2. intentionally or recklessly and without authorization (a) tampering with, damaging, or taking data intended for use by a computer system or (b) intercepting or adding to data residing within a computer system;

3. knowingly receiving or retaining data obtained through misuse of computer system information; or

4. using or disclosing data he or she knows or believes was obtained through misuse of computer system information (CGS § 53a-251).

I understand this is something you could have googled on your own, but yes it is against the law. Contact an attorney if you really wanted to do something with it.

 

I don't mean to trivialize your problem, but it is actually really trivial. If you're going to talk to attorney they're going to laugh at you and tell you the same thing. First you'd have to prove that there are some sort of fiscal or physical damage done to you by their actions, and chances are there isn't. They're not using the keylogger to steal your bank account or cause you trouble and that is really the only damages that could be proven. If you tried a to get a criminal case then chances are the police would laugh at you because you still live at home and unless you're paying rent you aren't a tenant and don't maintain the same rights as a tenant, which would be the right to your privacy. Since you're an adult child (actual legal term) living at home rent free you're subject to the authority of your parents. Simple as that.

So my suggestion is before spending thousands of dollars on retaining a lawyer for a case that wouldn't go anywhere just uninstall it and move out.

Edit:
The law that DD quoted is inapplicable as the 'crime' arguably doesn't fulfill all of the elements of the law.

 

i wasn't actually planning on taking this to court as much as it was a disagreement. I don't really think it matters what the intent was as much as it is what they did was fucked.

 

You're missing the point of why I asked that. Even if you own the computer you are living in their house rent free. They may be concerned that you are involved in illegal activities which they don't want coming back to their house and their property because then they are involved as well.

I'm assuming that they also pay for the food in the house as well as almost everything else. Let me put it this way: You're going to bite the hand that feeds you. If you take them to court, both of you will owe fees to lawyers (which aren't cheap by the way). The judge will laugh at the time spent in court and more than likely toss out the case. If you are 18 and dislike their rules: MOVE OUT - they legally do not have to support you after the age of 18.

 

Delete them, call them out about it, get a new computer, do something on your computer very scary so they back off, alot of options.

 

If you're over the age of 18 it's illegal.

 

Unless they are the owners of the computer, or can prove you gave them consent to install the software.

 

I don't know what these kids are talking about. I'm pretty sure you said educated answers only.

If it's your property, they can't fucking touch it. It doesn't matter if you live there, it doesn't matter if they pay every single bill you'll ever have.

It's your computer and you're a legal adult.

Illegal, take from that what you wish.

Also, ilovedoge69, why don't you just remove it? 'tis not difficult.

EDIT- Also, use on-screen keyboard to search the prons

 

Remove it shouldnt be hard, search around on google. but legally you could get them fked but not worth. both loose out at the end, explain to them nicely to take it off.