WA Privacy - Legal to Access Online Account Without Consent?

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JamesCitizen

Member
30 August 2016
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Let's say Person 1 found someone else's (Person 2) credentials to any online account somewhere. Both people live in WA.

Is it illegal under privacy law for Person 1 to log onto Person 2's online account without asking permission, for any reason? Are there circumstances in which Person 1's intent would change whether it is illegal or not?
 

AllForHer

Well-Known Member
23 July 2014
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Question 1: Yes.

Question 2: No.
 

Rod

Lawyer
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27 May 2014
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www.hutchinsonlegal.com.au
AllForHer,

Is there a law in WA that protects privacy? Our rights to privacy in Australia are very limited. I was thinking the cause would be Trespass to Goods (eBay v. Bidder's Edge) or Conversion.
 

AllForHer

Well-Known Member
23 July 2014
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Might be, but it's my understanding the WA Criminal Code also makes it illegal under s 440A.