# 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

WhenPenaltyBasic offenceA fine, corrective labour or up to 2 years in prisonAs 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 prisonAgainst an operator of a critical information systemImprisonment 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

- [Criminal Code of Georgia](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/16426)

- [Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia](https://matsne.gov.ge/ka/document/view/90034)

Official texts (in Georgian) — Legislative Herald of Georgia, matsne.gov.ge.

Related practice area: [Cybercrime](https://mmlaw.ge/en/cybercrime-lawyer/)

## Related topics

- [#Criminal law](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

- [#Online & digital](https://mmlaw.ge/en/cybercrime-lawyer/)

- [#Your rights](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/what-to-do-if-detained/)

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- [Cybercrime lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/cybercrime-lawyer/)

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- [Computer crime for financial gain — Article 286¹](https://mmlaw.ge/en/crimes/phishing-online-theft-article-286-1/)

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- [Violation of private life — Article 157, 157¹](https://mmlaw.ge/en/crimes/private-photos-article-157/)

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- [Blackmail with private photos](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blackmail-private-photos/)

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- [Criminal defence lawyer](https://mmlaw.ge/en/criminal-defense-lawyer/)

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- [Juvenile lawyer in Georgia: legal help for minors](https://mmlaw.ge/en/juvenile-justice-lawyer/)

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- [Detained in Georgia? Your rights and what to do](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/what-to-do-if-detained/)

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- [Police search in Georgia: your rights and what to do](https://mmlaw.ge/en/blog/police-search-your-rights/)

Criminal law

## Crimes and penalties

- [Computer crime for financial gain](https://mmlaw.ge/en/crimes/phishing-online-theft-article-286-1/) — Article 286¹ Phishing, taking money with someone else's card or online banking, interfering with systems for money. Up to 11 years.

- [Violation of private life](https://mmlaw.ge/en/crimes/private-photos-article-157/) — Article 157, 157¹ Unlawfully obtaining and spreading private information, photos or personal data. Up to 10 years.

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Source: https://mmlaw.ge/en/crimes/hacking-article-284/ · MMLAW · +995 551 00 43 00 · info@mmlaw.ge