This topic came up in a message board to which I subscribe. A woman got into an argument with her bf over a site that was saved on his computer Favorites, she signed into his email account using 'his usual ID and password" and read some suspicious emails. She feels her search is legitmate since he at some point had shared his ID and password and since in her words "If he has nothing to hide then he has nothing to worry about". I know if she were to open a written letter addressed to him without his permission, it's a felony. What about this instance - Is it illegal to open another person's email without their expressed permission?
2006-06-11 10:58:49 · 16 answers · asked by messageboardjunkie 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It is legal just not very nice
2006-06-11 11:01:01 · answer #1 · answered by bullticky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's completely illegal unless you have permission...in most cases. The reason why this might not be illegal is the fact that they both shared the same password and ID. If he new that she had full access to his emails, he should've changed that. There's no doubt that it was wrong what she did, but illegal? I don't think so this time. She should seriously work it out with her boyfriend.
2006-06-11 11:04:49 · answer #2 · answered by Skater_Gurl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably. I know it's illegal to open physical mail without permission. I guess email would be the same.
2006-06-11 11:01:23 · answer #3 · answered by *AstrosChick* 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hope not... not that I would ever do such a thing!
I mean If I did, (but I didn't)... but if I did, I hope it would not be illegal!
So what If I did?, The person deserved it! hmmm...
Wait did I say that out loud?
forget I even said anything...lol
2006-06-11 11:04:57 · answer #4 · answered by unknown 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it is against the law to open someone's mail. It's a federal offense.
2006-06-11 11:03:25 · answer #5 · answered by violent_vixxxen 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tough one. If she didn't hack into his email and KNEW the password then it's his stupidity for telling her.
2006-06-11 15:07:45 · answer #6 · answered by Sarah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is illegal. I'm not sure what laws he would be able to get her under but I am sure if he tried he could find one. Also if nothing else he could proably call it IDENTITY THEFT. She is getting into his account pretending to be him after all.
2006-06-11 11:17:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a slippery slope question but here goes...
SHE has HIS password and can argue that HE gave it HER willingly, thus he gave oral persmission.
2006-06-11 11:01:44 · answer #8 · answered by Miss Texas 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if he gave her his password, and did not change it, it sounds to me as if he didn't mind her in his e-mail. although, if i were the girlfriend, i would have tried to work this out face to face.
2006-06-11 11:57:08 · answer #9 · answered by life is short, I am not. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it an invasion of privacy and that woman has no self esteem and should be ashamed of herself for nosing around.
2006-06-11 11:01:15 · answer #10 · answered by hatingmsn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋