How is it unlawful?

[Coldicote]

In the midst of all this 'hoo haa' about NoW, I certainly don't defend hacking but haven't seen any explanation of what law is actually being broken. Does anyone know?

[jackthehat]

There was some discussion about it here:

http://www.theanswerb.../Question1034640.html

[Gromit]

The data protection act for starters.

[anotheoldgit]

Since no one has been convicted of any crime yet, I think it is a little too early yet to speculate.

[LazyGun]

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 ( phone hacking, message interception etc)
The Prevention of Corruption Act 1906 ( Bribery/ Bungs to police officers)

[Gromit]

AOG

Two NotW journalist went to prison for hacking royal phones. Unfortunately, the police investigation was so inept, or corrupt, that the majority of offences were missed.

[STIDW]

Under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 unauthorised access to computer material which is password protected is a criminal offence.

[Coldicote]

Thank you all for your replies. It will be interesting to know what law is eventually used for charging offenders. As I understand it, the hacking involved mobile phones - something to do with the original default PINs like 1111 or 1234 not having been changed when the owners first bought them.

[barryjbutler]

This may help a bit:

http://www.guardian.c...ws-christopher-graham

[Coldicote]

Thanks barryj, that well explains why there is so much uncertainty about the law.

[Buenchico]

RIPA doesn't apply, LazyGun.

This does:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1985/56

[Coldicote]

Thanks Buenchico. It would take a lot of time to understand all of that, but SCHEDULE 2 at the foot of the page is particularly interesting.