Computer hacking will become a crime next year, says the new Minister of Justice, Phil Goff.
Mr Goff said yesterday that he agreed with the Law Commission's change of heart on the issue.
Only seven months ago the commission, which advises the Government on possible law changes, opposed making hacking an offence
in itself.
It argued that hacking should be a crime only if the hacker intended to gain some benefit or cause a loss to someone else.
However, in a followup report on electronic commerce, the commission says: "We are now persuaded that that view was too narrow."
It says that even if a hacker does nothing while in the system, the electronic breakin can cause massive financial loss to the computer owner, who has to audit the full system and may have to shut it.
It recommends that hacking should be made a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of three years' imprisonment.
However, it should be regarded as less serious than four other offences involving unauthorised interception, access, use or damage to computer data.
Mr Goff said hacking would be added as an offence to the Crimes Amendment (No 6) Bill, which was before a select committee.
