Cyber Conspiracy Modernization Act
The Cyber Conspiracy Modernization Act would strengthen the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act by explicitly including conspiracy in the penalties for computer fraud. Specifically, it amends 18 U.S.C. § 1030(c) to add “conspiracy” alongside “attempt” in the list of ways someone can be punished for unauthorized computer access and related offenses. It also adjusts several subparagraphs to use language like “attempt or a conspiracy to commit” and to include conspirators who seek to cause harm. The goal is to close gaps where individuals who merely conspire with others to commit computer crimes could avoid the same liability as someone who attempts or completes the offense. If enacted, prosecutors could pursue conspiracy charges under CFAA provisions, potentially expanding federal liability for groups coordinating cyber offenses.
Key Points
- 1Title and purpose: The bill is named the Cyber Conspiracy Modernization Act and aims to modernize CFAA penalties by adding conspiracy to the set of punishable activities.
- 2Core amendment to 18 U.S.C. § 1030(c): The penalties for computer fraud would explicitly include conspiracy, in addition to existing categories like attempts.
- 3Language updates across provisions: The bill repeats the phrase “attempt or a conspiracy to commit” in multiple subparagraphs (A(i) and B(i)) to ensure conspiracy liability mirrors that of an attempted offense.
- 4Additions to “conspire to cause” harms: In subparagraphs E and F, the bill inserts “conspires to cause” after “attempts to cause,” broadening the scope to include conspiratorial goals to cause damage or other harms.
- 5Introduction and status: The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 5, 2025, by Senators rounds and Gillibrand and referred to the Judiciary Committee; sponsor information is listed as unknown in the provided text.