Comments on: Helpful Tip: Is it Illegal to Use Someone Else’s WiFi?

By: 2plyRDG

2plyRDG — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 03:24:39 +0000

I think all that netster007x was attempting to convey was a comparison between 2 actions, from 1 end of the spectrum to the other. Using an internet connection, to most people, would seem relatively insignificant, compared to crossing international borders. Sometimes depending on the crime, like drug trafficing, crossing an international border turns it into a federal case.

By: CJ3754

CJ3754 — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 20:30:28 +0000

I think it’s stupid how the US government focuses and cracks down on WiFi stealing, music sharing, etc. and lets serious crimes/felonies go by without a second thought.

By: Hurricane

Hurricane — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:17:27 +0000

You are getting a little too broad with saying “the US”.
It is a 3rd degree felony in the State of Florida, it is implied consent and not even illegal in the State of Tennessee.

By: rhinorulz

rhinorulz — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 23:59:35 +0000

Is it illegal though if it is a protected network and you stumble upon the password. if you know the password than aren’t you supposed to be able to access even if you just stumbled onto the password. the password is usually administrator or the same as the SSID, on the less secure wireless networks. to me they are just asking to have their internet borrowed. I always make sure that i do it with public (government owned) buildings like schools though.

By: Shocked

Shocked — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 15:45:31 +0000

“Third Degree Felony”…you can get away with manslaughter or neglecting a puppy to death for less than that (I’ve seen it happen). Our government really needs to get their priorities straight.

By: netster007x

netster007x — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:36:34 +0000

Go sheriff Joe! I’ve never heard of him before, but that site said he’s doing some pretty good stuff. People like him and the Minutemen are heroes.

If you’re using someone’s WiFi for something really criminal, like identity theft or fraud, then I understand the need for a heavy punishment. But if someone’s just borrowing the WiFi to check their Email or even download music, I don’t think it should be a big deal.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 19:54:58 +0000

I wonder if stealing WiFi would be as big of a deal if people never used it to do something illegal, such as download music? I think if the owner doesn’t have it secured, it is their own fault. It’s like leaving the front door of your house unlocked…if someone steals your stuff it is partly your fault for not making the effort to secure it.

By: Al

Al — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:06:58 +0000

A hot topic for us. Sheriff Joe is trying to get the arrested immigrants charged with conspiracy to smuggle themselves into the country.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 22:04:01 +0000

netster007x wrote:

"Third Degree Felony." Dang! The US has strict punishments for all the wrong things. Minor infractions that don't do much of any damage like using someone's WiFi or downloading music are heavily enforced. Coming into this country illegally isn't even a felony!

Immigration... wow, this topic could open up a gigantic can of worms right now. Yikes! And yes, strict punishment for something like this.

By: netster007x

netster007x — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 20:33:55 +0000

“Third Degree Felony.” Dang! The US has strict punishments for all the wrong things. Minor infractions that don’t do much of any damage like using someone’s WiFi or downloading music are heavily enforced. Coming into this country illegally isn’t even a felony!