2006-08-23 06:46:05 · 5 answers · asked by ? 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Internet
It varies from area to area. In Tampa apparently it is illegal: http://hardware.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=05/07/06/0217252&tid=193&tid=17&threshold=4&mode=thread&commentsort=0&op=Change
It's kind of a gray area though. It's more unethical than illegal at this point to mooch your neighbor's net connection just because they can't properly set up WEP. Though, if you were to go further than that and break into their PC and get their confidential files using their open wifi, that would definitely be illegal.
2006-08-23 06:47:45 · answer #1 · answered by IT Pro 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Technically its not illegal but its more of a invasion. its like this:
If your walking down the street and you see a window open and some one is getting naked, its not illegal for you to be watching him/her change because you were just minding your buissiness by walking. But if you stand and watch for about 5 minutes then thats not right.
Same with Accessing wireless networks.
2006-08-23 13:55:53 · answer #2 · answered by hicksvilleny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, now the other side.......
If someone was spraying water out into the street and you were thirsty, would you stop and get some???
I am using an un-secured network as we speak....
I have not done anything illegal online and that is a totally diferent question....
I will leave my wireless open for all to use unless someone gets stupid and miss-uses it!
2006-08-23 14:46:15 · answer #3 · answered by Jeff S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on where you are at. Some countries, states, counties, etc. have laws against it, some don't. Location, location, location. Laws very from location to location.
Of course accessing only may be legally differect from using that access for ... whatever.
2006-08-23 13:53:16 · answer #4 · answered by James S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes - like it is to walk onto someone's property because there is no fence.
BTW, are you using one now to connect?
2006-08-23 13:51:41 · answer #5 · answered by ever_curious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋