"Accessing, altering, damaging or destroying any computer, computer system or network, or any part of a computer, computer system or network, with the intent to devise or execute any scheme or artifice to defraud or deceive, or to control property or services by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises."
I think it would be safe to say this would be considered illegal in many places for a multitude of reasons.
The fact that we now have actual pirates in the news from month to month alongside copyright infringers does raise the stakes for those who want to stop calling infringement "piracy".
I think the far worse Orwellization is using "theft" for copyright infringement.
Love this idea. I actually had a similar idea a few months ago, but was planning to implement it as an email and web proxy that could be surreptitiously installed on someone's computer.
Rather than news sites, my proxy would tone down political vitriol and jingoism. I want to have it ready in time for the 2012 election season.
That's probably the most disruptive way you could use the thing.
Also, cross-injecting articles from sources of opposing bias could be a winner as well.
EDIT: Direct link to (very elaborate) build guide: http://newstweek.com/howto