If it's possible to access information, it's acceptable to do so. We must also teach them that this critical right to privacy extends to electronic files and the use of technology. It's no more permissible to access someone else's computer documents than to read someone else's mail, no more ethical to reveal someone's computer password than to pass along the combination of a safe, no more lawful to break into electronic files than into a cash register. Our society's awareness of these issues is still evolving, along with the establishment of explicit laws and penalties for infractions. Anything obtained by privacy-infringing actions, as described above, is stolen and is a violation of individuals' rights to confidentiality.
Vandalism is only damage to or destruction of the physical property of others.
We need to expand our definition of property to include things we can't physically hold, such as electronic data in files and software programs. Tampering with electronic information is vandalism and shows disrespect for others' property. To disseminate general ethical principles, we recommend that you adopt and publicize a technology code of conduct, such as the one that follows. I will respect others' rights to privacy. I will only access, look in, or use other individuals', organizations', or companies' information on computer or through telecommunications if I have the permission of the individual, organization, or company who owns the information.