Yes, web scraping is legal in Connecticut, but compliance hinges on adherence to federal and state laws, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and Connecticut’s 2023 amendments to its data privacy statute. Courts in the Second Circuit, which includes Connecticut, have not explicitly banned scraping but emphasize compliance with website terms of service and anti-bot provisions. The Connecticut Attorney General’s Office has not issued formal guidance on scraping, though its 2026 enforcement priorities under the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA) may scrutinize unauthorized data extraction for commercial purposes.
Key Regulations for Web Scraping in Connecticut
- Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA): Prohibits accessing computer systems “without authorization” or exceeding permitted access. Scraping websites with clear anti-bot language (e.g.,
robots.txtrestrictions) may violate this if the site’s terms prohibit automated access. - Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA): Effective July 1, 2023, imposes obligations on controllers processing personal data. Unauthorized scraping for commercial use could trigger CTDPA violations if it involves personal data without a lawful basis (e.g., consent or legitimate interest).
- Common Law Trespass to Chattels: Connecticut courts recognize this tort for unauthorized interference with digital property. Aggressive scraping that overloads servers or disrupts services may invite liability, as seen in eBay v. Bidder’s Edge (2000), cited in Connecticut precedent.
Practical Compliance Notes:
- Terms of Service: Review site-specific restrictions; scraping against stated policies risks CFAA exposure.
- Rate Limiting: Avoid server overload to prevent trespass claims.
- Data Minimization: Under CTDPA, limit collection to necessary data to reduce regulatory exposure.