Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012: Explainer

“Access” – refers to the instruction, communication with, storing data in, retrieving data from, or otherwise making use of any resources of a computer system or communication network. (Section 3[a], R.A. No. 10175, Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012)

“Alteration” – refers to the modification or change, in form or substance, of an existing computer data or program. (Section 3[b], Ibid.)

“Communication” – refers to the transmission of information through ICT media, including voice, video and other forms of data. (Section 3[c], Ibid.)

“Computer” – refers to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other data processing or communications device, or grouping of such devices, capable of performing logical, arithmetic, routing, or storage functions and which includes any storage facility or equipment or communications facility or equipment directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device. It covers any type of computer device including devices with data processing capabilities like mobile phones, smart phones, computer networks and other devices connected to the internet. (Section 3[d], Ibid.)

“Computer data” – refers to any representation of fact...