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Is using some random unsecured wireless connection illegal?

Probably illegal, but really a grey area.

Biggest thing is whether you are looking for the unsecured spot, or can you access it from your home.
 
In theory it is, but bunch of nyc parks are giving out free wifi in a few month, also few coffee shops are giving it out to patrons
 
For the eleventy-billionth time YES!! IF YOU DON'T HAVE PERMISSION, THEN IT IS SEALING.

That was the LAW the last Forty-Thousand times this topic was discussed here and guess what, it hasn't changed...

/thread
JR..
 
it would probably be considered 'cybertrespass' in the states that have such laws. in the other states you could probably make a case for common law trespass.
 
Originally posted by: JoLLyRoGer
For the eleventy-billionth time YES!! IF YOU DON'T HAVE PERMISSION, THEN IT IS SEALING.

That was the LAW the last Forty-Thousand times this topic was discussed here and guess what, it hasn't changed...

/thread
JR..
Click to expand...

whoa...simple question, nasty response.

yes, i think it is illegal, except in like places where they explicitly say "Free wi-fi".
 
yes, if I leave my key in the car with the engine running and the door open is anyone legally free to drive it?
 
Originally posted by: secretanchitman
Originally posted by: JoLLyRoGer
For the eleventy-billionth time YES!! IF YOU DON'T HAVE PERMISSION, THEN IT IS SEALING.

That was the LAW the last Forty-Thousand times this topic was discussed here and guess what, it hasn't changed...

/thread
JR..
Click to expand...

whoa...simple question, nasty response.

yes, i think it is illegal, except in like places where they explicitly say "Free wi-fi".
Click to expand...


Sorry O.P.. didn't mean to come off like that. I've had a sh!tty day. That's not an excuse, just an explanation so allow me to retract my previous attitude.

JR..
 
Yep. It's illegal unless you have permission.

The chances of being caught and being discovered as the person using it are slim, but it doesn't mean you can't be caught.
 
I tried to tap into my neighbor's WiFi for some MKDS matches, but the bastard has a secured network.
 
Originally posted by: dartworth


If someone's wifi encroaches into your house, why shouldn't you be able to use it?
Click to expand...

my thoughts exactly. i did not give permission for their wifi signal to be broadcasted into my house. if they push it on me, then i'll take it happily. no that i do since i have my own secured wifi...
 
I remember someone calling a tech support line saying that her connection was having issues, when asked to check the cable she was using a wireless connection. She didn't have a wireless router. When offered to be sold a wireless router, she declined.

Now, until that phone call she had been "Stealing" someone else's service, without ever realizing that she was.

Does that make her a criminal?
 
Originally posted by: Eghck
yes, if I leave my key in the car with the engine running and the door open is anyone legally free to drive it?
Click to expand...

are you legally free to leave your car running and unattended in my garage or driveway or anywhere on my property?
 
Originally posted by: dartworth


If someone's wifi encroaches into your house, why shouldn't you be able to use it?
Click to expand...

You don't "own" a wireless signal because it encroaches your house.

Why don't you get yourself a CB radio and play a marathon of "We Didn's Start the Fire" on your local police/emergency band and see what happens.

 
Originally posted by: MathMan
Originally posted by: dartworth


If someone's wifi encroaches into your house, why shouldn't you be able to use it?
Click to expand...

You don't "own" a wireless signal because it encroaches your house.

Why don't you get yourself a CB radio and play a marathon of "We Didn's Start the Fire" on your local police/emergency band and see what happens.
Click to expand...
Given the state of CB radios anymore, most likely it'll have the same effect as going to ANWR and playing it on a walkman.
 
Originally posted by: MathMan
Originally posted by: dartworth


If someone's wifi encroaches into your house, why shouldn't you be able to use it?
Click to expand...

You don't "own" a wireless signal because it encroaches your house.

Why don't you get yourself a CB radio and play a marathon of "We Didn's Start the Fire" on your local police/emergency band and see what happens.
Click to expand...



your analogy is terrible..and I never said anything about owning a wireless signal.
 
Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
I remember someone calling a tech support line saying that her connection was having issues, when asked to check the cable she was using a wireless connection. She didn't have a wireless router. When offered to be sold a wireless router, she declined.

Now, until that phone call she had been "Stealing" someone else's service, without ever realizing that she was.

Does that make her a criminal?
Click to expand...

Yes. No. Maybe. See http://news.com.com/FAQ+Wi-Fi+mooching+and+the+law/2100-7351_3-5778822.html
 
Originally posted by: dartworth
Originally posted by: MathMan
Originally posted by: dartworth


If someone's wifi encroaches into your house, why shouldn't you be able to use it?
Click to expand...

You don't "own" a wireless signal because it encroaches your house.

Why don't you get yourself a CB radio and play a marathon of "We Didn's Start the Fire" on your local police/emergency band and see what happens.
Click to expand...



your analogy is terrible..and I never said anything about owning a wireless signal.
Click to expand...

Please enlighten me on why my analogy is terrible.

You made the contention that since the signal encroaches your house you should be free to use it as you see fit, did you not?

Well guess what? That's not a legal option-- the courts have ruled time and time again that you have zero inherent rights to any transmitted signals that encroach your property. Technically, you aren't even allowed to use your VCR to record your favorite shows which are broadcast to you over the air through you local network affiliates-- with the only exception being a one-time, time-shifted viewing of the program.

 
Originally posted by: Demon-Xanth
I remember someone calling a tech support line saying that her connection was having issues, when asked to check the cable she was using a wireless connection. She didn't have a wireless router. When offered to be sold a wireless router, she declined.

Now, until that phone call she had been "Stealing" someone else's service, without ever realizing that she was.

Does that make her a criminal?
Click to expand...



There's no intent... you can't convict on these types of things without intent.
 
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