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Thread ID: 75928 2007-01-15 00:02:00 Wireless Nwk & Legal issues bk T (215) Press F1
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516117 2007-01-15 00:02:00 Is it an offence if my laptop detects and logs onto an UNSECURED network and enjoys the 'free' Internet access?

I read in an article sometime ago in Singapore that one guy was prosecuted for logging in to some others unsecured network. They consider this as 'stealing'. However, I don't share their view on this issue.

I'm not trying to "STEAL" my neighbour's wireless Internet: 1. I've my own Broadband Internet. 2. There isn't any wireless network found around here.:D

Just curious to know what is the law says in New Zealand.
bk T (215)
516118 2007-01-15 01:14:00 That depends on who is providing the "FREE" access. If it is Starbucks cafe or someone similar your OK otherwise your probably stealing. winmacguy (3367)
516119 2007-01-15 04:22:00 Let say, you (have only limited knowledge about computers) are at your own home, turn on your laptop (borrowed from your friend) and surf the Internet. It so happened that your neighbour's unsecured wifi is detected and connected to this laptop, of course, you know nothing about all this connection. All you know is: you are now connected to the Internet and you can browse your favourite sites and download whatever you like.

Are the above acts illegal? Who the hell do I know my laptop is connected to?
bk T (215)
516120 2007-01-15 04:36:00 From an article about the Crimes Amendment Act 2003 I quoted in a previous thread on this subject:
"Accessing a computer system without authorisation has a maximum two year term and applies to anyone who intentionally accesses, directly or indirectly, knowing that you are not authorised to access that computer system, or is reckless as to whether or not you are authorised."

If you are "reckless", that is you don't care ...
Graham L (2)
516121 2007-01-15 05:04:00 From an article about the Crimes Amendment Act 2003 I quoted in a previous thread on this subject:
"Accessing a computer system without authorisation has a maximum two year term and applies to anyone who intentionally accesses, directly or indirectly, knowing that you are not authorised to access that computer system, or is reckless as to whether or not you are authorised."

If you are "reckless", that is you don't care ...

I would say in this case the use of the wifi network was unintentional

Winnie where are you?
beama (111)
516122 2007-01-15 05:08:00 If you are reckless, and you are caught after the "unintentional provider" realises that you have cost him a lot of money or inconvenience, a court might not share your opinion. Graham L (2)
516123 2007-01-15 07:47:00 Why is the bottom line always seen to be the legal one? It is not ethical to use up your neighbour's broadband capacity whether it be legal or not! johnd (85)
516124 2007-01-15 08:32:00 From an article about the Crimes Amendment Act 2003 I quoted in a previous thread on this subject:
"Accessing a computer system without authorisation has a maximum two year term and applies to anyone who intentionally accesses, directly or indirectly, knowing that you are not authorised to access that computer system, or is reckless as to whether or not you are authorised . "

If you are "reckless", that is you don't care . . .

but is a wifi router a "computer system"
robsonde (120)
516125 2007-01-15 08:35:00 I totally agree John,

if unintentional and once realized it should stop
if intentional - get the whip out.

I was pointing out want I thought was a interesting piece of wording in want Graham posted
beama (111)
516126 2007-01-15 09:58:00 but is a wifi router a "computer system"
The medium used to gain access is unspecified, so yes, the Wifi router, the modem, the cable etc are all immaterial - the act of using anything for gaining "access" is the issue. You do not even need to "take or use" anything to your benefit be in breach.

Good NZ summary here:
www.bellgully.com
godfather (25)
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