Reference number: CH001196

Is it a crime to make a computer virus?

Question:

Is it a crime to make a computer virus?

Answer:

No. It is not against the law or a crime to make a computer virus, trojan, or malware. However, if that virus or other malware was to spread to other computers or be sent to other computers (even if you didn't mean for it to happen) then it would be considered a crime and you could be held liable for any damages it causes to the computers that become infected with it.

Additional information:

• See document CH000653 for additional information about creating viruses