2007-01-13 15:32:40 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
You have more than enough answer on legal or not.
Let talk about privacy.
It is very easy for the host to get info from your computer while you hook on.
Document, photos, songs or anything. It is so easy.
So be very careful about it.
I am in Singapore, I have no guts to do it here.
2 guy had being charged here before in 2006.
2007-01-13 17:17:35 · answer #1 · answered by Jeffrey Chan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the WiFi owner has told you that you may or may not use their WiFi connection, then you should stay off. If it's a public hotspot (like McD's) you're golden. Anything else falls into the grey area. The general rule of thumb is that if there is no encryption (WEP or WPA), the owner probably doesn't have an issue with casual mooching (though do realize that they might be collecting non-secure data from you, and you should never do anything illegal over someone else's connection). However, if they have even the most basic encryption set up, that's a clear sign to stay off without explicit permission (though the only way to tell if this is the case is to try to connect).
2007-01-13 17:25:58 · answer #2 · answered by the_amazing_purple_dave 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although it is not illegal, it really isn't right. Now, if it is a neighbor who's network you can connect to, I would be a good person, and tell them to activate security on their network. Not only does this hog bandwidth, but some isp companies charge extra for "simultaneous usage."
However, if the access point is some place like a coffee shop, then it is ok, because most establishments such as coffee houses offer free wi-fi. If you are in doubt, check out the company's web site and see what their wi-fi policies are.
2007-01-13 15:41:03 · answer #3 · answered by Mikecool509 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As one person said....it's a legal grey area.
One person in florida was arrested for electronic trespass. I haven't heard anything more about it....So I don't know the outcome. It is more of an ethics question than a legal question as there are not enough precedence in the court system.
Keep in mind, some people keep an open access point for the sole purpose of hacking others........you stand a good chance of compromising your system if their system(s) have a virus. the other reason is that your communications is not secured and anyone with a listener can grab your data out of mid-air.
If you choose to connect to an unsecured and unknown access point, do it at your own risk
2007-01-13 15:55:25 · answer #4 · answered by Jeffrey F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing illegal about it, I have a cable modem and when it goes down if someone has an open and live working WIFI link I will use it.
But beware people can and do trap data being passed and can get clear text passwords and CC info. I never pass anything critical ever over an open system.
2007-01-13 15:42:45 · answer #5 · answered by Kdude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends, if it is a public hotspot then it is legal but if it is from a residense or a private network then it is illegal, even witrh their permission. However laws vary depending on where you live so to be safe just don't do it.
The problem with stealing it is that the intenet provider wants you to pay for it because techincally when you sign up, you agree that it is only for one household and when you share it with a different person not living there, then it isn't just one household using it.
This guy got arrested for it.
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20050707-5068.html
2007-01-13 15:44:43 · answer #6 · answered by jkliuo90 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it's not legal and people have received BIG fines for doing it as I think the Judges like to set examples. You may try to figure out who owns the WiFi and ask them if you can use it or offer to pay them a small amount.
Good Luck!
2007-01-13 16:05:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is really a legal gray area, They can not prcecute you, yet, for doing it, but how would you like someone else stealing your bandwidth to your connection that you are paying for?
2007-01-13 15:37:24 · answer #8 · answered by Taba 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
with the intention to ascertain a wireless community in you living house you'll want a router. I recommend linksys WRT54G on the spot router. it frequently comes with an ethernet cable interior the container (with any success) what you do is open it up deploy the CD and save on with the teachings it provides you exact training on a thanks to ascertain a wireless community
2016-11-23 17:03:37 · answer #9 · answered by cosen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no but usually when they find someone is stealing bandwidth people will just add WEP not try to catch you
2007-01-13 15:37:52 · answer #10 · answered by Chris Z 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋