The law treats computer viruses primarily as illegal under various computer security and misuse laws. In many countries, including the UK and the US, writing, distributing, or causing harm with computer viruses or malware is a criminal offense. For example, the UK's Computer Misuse Act 1990 makes it illegal to distribute viruses or other malware, covering unauthorized modification of computer contents that impairs programs or data reliability. Violators can face significant fines and imprisonment, up to several years. Similarly, in the US, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act criminalizes unauthorized access to computers and the dissemination of viruses, treating such activities as cybercrimes. The law primarily focuses on intent to access or damage computer systems, with penalties scaling based on the damage and loss caused. Liability can extend to civil lawsuits in cases of negligence or damages caused by virus spread. Additionally, legal definitions vary by state and country, and sharing virus code—even for research—can have legal consequences. Biological viruses, like the coronavirus, are regulated under separate health and biosecurity laws, which focus on containment, quarantine, and public safety measures, and consider unlawful use of biological agents as acts of terrorism or severe criminal offenses. Thus, legally, both computer viruses and biological viruses are regulated with serious legal consequences for unauthorized use, distribution, or creation due to their potential to cause harm, with laws varying by jurisdiction but generally emphasizing protection of public safety and security against such threats.