Computer virus creation is a considerably more modern crime with considerably less legislation governing it.
As a result, there is some confusion over whether it is illegal to produce or spread a virus or not.
In lay terms, a computer virus is a program that self-replicates, or copies itself by itself.
This does not mean that a computer virus necessarily does any damage whatsoever, or that the effects of the virus are anything more than a closeable pop-up message that appears once.
However, for the majority of computer users, viruses are recognized as a destructive, fast-spreading force that can destroy records and steal personal information.
Although not technically viruses, programs like malware and spyware are often included in wider use of the term.
These programs can take over a person's computer or record their actions and passwords.
Although legislation widely dealing with viruses is limited in most jurisdictions, federal law is fairly direct.
According to US law, it is illegal to hack or tamper with government computer systems, even if the virus was accidentally uploaded.
This means that once a government computer or system comes in contact with a virus, which is relatively common, the virus's creator has just broken the law.
Considering that a virus is a self-reproducing program, the possibility that a computer used for government programs (which can include libraries, Department of Defense machines, and similar systems) will come into contact with a virus is very high.
As a result, a virus-maker may believe that he or she is simply going to infect a few computers locally, but may unintentionally end up breaking a federal law in the process.
Computer virus laws are not quite as widespread as some would prefer, with some jurisdictions being more proactive than others.
As a result, there can be some confusion in determining what is considered illegal and what is not.
For more information regarding computer crimes, contact a criminal defense attorney.