§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
How they respond to the call from Len Hynds of the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit for reform of sentencing policy in respect of hackers breaking into computer systems. [HL1346]
62WA
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)We believe that the current sentencing framework provides the courts with the flexibility to pass robust and appropriate sentences that reflect the full range of circumstances in each case.
Changes will however be made to Section 1 of the Computer Misuse Act 1990 to increase the penalty threshold, to allow for the effective punishment of all acts undertaken by hackers and others in committing this offence. This and other changes to the Act will be bought forward when parliamentary time allows.