Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-73not60
§1367 Interference with the Operation of a Satellite
Title 18 › Part I— CRIMES › Chapter 65— MALICIOUS MISCHIEF › § 1367
Summary
On purpose, anyone who, without the satellite operator’s permission, interferes with how a communications or weather satellite works or blocks its signals can be fined under federal law, jailed for up to 10 years, or both. It does not apply to lawful investigative, protective, or intelligence actions by U.S. law enforcement or intelligence agencies.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §1367
Crimes and Criminal Procedure — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(a)Whoever, without the authority of the satellite operator, intentionally or maliciously interferes with the authorized operation of a communications or weather satellite or obstructs or hinders any satellite transmission shall be fined in accordance with this title or imprisoned not more than ten years or both.
(b)This section does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement agency or of an intelligence agency of the United States.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective 90 days after Oct. 21, 1986, and, in case of conduct pursuant to court order or extension, applicable only with respect to court orders and extensions made after such date, with special rule for State authorizations of interceptions, see section 302 of Pub. L. 99–508, set out as a note under section 3121 of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 1367
Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60