Account hacking in Georgia — Article 284: penalties
Unauthorised access to a computer system is a crime under Article 284. A computer system means any device that processes data with a program — including a mobile phone. So getting into someone else's Facebook, email or phone without permission falls under this article too.
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Possible penalties
| When | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Basic offence | A fine, corrective labour or up to 2 years in prison |
| As a group; by abusing one's position; repeatedly; causing significant damage (over GEL 2,000) | A fine, corrective labour up to 2 years, or 2 to 5 years in prison |
| Against an operator of a critical information system | Imprisonment from 3 to 6 years |
Penalties follow the current text of the Criminal Code of Georgia. In a specific case the outcome depends on the circumstances, compensation of damage, a plea agreement and other factors.
What matters for the defence
- Whether access was really 'unauthorised' — for example, the password was given to you
- Who actually logged in — IP addresses, devices, logs
- Lawfulness of how digital evidence was obtained and examined
- The amount of damage — over GEL 2,000 changes the part of the article
If you are accused or arrested
- Use your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer — from the first contact with the investigating authority
- Don't sign any document you don't understand
- You must be charged within 48 hours of arrest, and within the next 24 hours a court decides on a preventive measure
- Decide on compensating the damage or settling with the victim together with your lawyer
If you are a victim
- Call 112 or go to the police or the prosecutor's office
- Keep the evidence: photos, video, messages, receipts, witnesses' contacts
- Ask for victim status — it gives you rights in the case, for example to be informed about its progress
- You can claim compensation for the damage — a lawyer will help
Questions & answers
Is logging into someone else's Facebook a crime?
Yes, if the owner didn't give you access. Under Article 284 that is unauthorised access to a computer system.
My account was hacked — what should I do?
Regain access, change passwords, turn on two-factor authentication and keep every message. Then go to the police — if you lost money, contact your bank immediately too.
What is the penalty for hacking an account?
For the basic offence — from a fine up to 2 years in prison; with significant damage, as a group or repeatedly — up to 5 years. If done for financial gain, Article 286¹ may apply.
Legal basis
Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.
Related practice area: Cybercrime
Crimes and penalties
Computer crime for financial gain
Article 286¹Phishing, taking money with someone else's card or online banking, interfering with systems for money. Up to 11 years.Violation of private life
Article 157, 157¹Unlawfully obtaining and spreading private information, photos or personal data. Up to 10 years.Need legal advice? Talk to an attorney today.
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