Man Charged With Stealing Wi-Fi

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Ogie Oglethorpe
Simple Observation: Funny that wireless sharing is a no no in the Kidaverse considering it is a sharing of equal access to the masses.

Why Kid, are you such a capitalist information hoarder? Do you hate your fellow man so much that you feel the need to deny them equality?

[Q Classic]

Originally posted by Kidicious


Ah, well that doesn't seem like it should be a felony.

This is the problem with both law and peanut gallery commentators.

They have no ****ing clue what they're talking about, so they go with oldthink.

At least you realized just how much overkill a felony charge is for this, Kid. While it's morally questionable, it's nothing on the level of murder, rape, burglary, or hell, even WEP cracking.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Q Cubed
At least you realized just how much overkill a felony charge is for this, Kid. While it's morally questionable, it's nothing on the level of murder, rape, burglary, or hell, even WEP cracking.

I don't think breaking encryption is technically a crime, or NSA would be in so much trouble...

There are also all these security researchers who need to play with cryptanalysis.

[DeathByTheSword]

if breaking a lock on a door is a crime then breaking a encryption should also be a crime. it isnt your property so you have to keep your hands off except with permission fo the owner...and the sec. resarchers usually buy the encryption they are trying the crack...or have permission...a lot are even paid to do it...about the NSA you are right probably

[Ogie Oglethorpe]

Originally posted by mactbone
What's the law on stealing power, or water? I'm willing to bet they're using a variant on the laws about stealing cable. Although I thought that would just be an issue with whatever company provides the service and not a criminal case.

Typically that is a case of the cable,power or water companies bringing the case forward.

This case differs in that the private citizen, Richard Dinon, is pressing charges. If the ISP were pressing charges it would be more analogous.

[Kidlicious]

Originally posted by Q Cubed
At least you realized just how much overkill a felony charge is for this, Kid. While it's morally questionable, it's nothing on the level of murder, rape, burglary, or hell, even WEP cracking.

A lot of people tell me that I'm good with the obvious.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Originally posted by Q Cubed
At least you realized just how much overkill a felony charge is for this, Kid. While it's morally questionable, it's nothing on the level of murder, rape, burglary, or hell, even WEP cracking.

It depends. In some jurisdictions, 'felony' means any jail time (or jail time over a certain period of time). It depends on how it is defined.

[Kaak]

i don't think it will stick...it is the owners responsibility to secure the network, otherwise it is generally accepted that the use thereof is fair game...

[Patroklos]

So what if your broadcasting into my property? I currently have 5 wireless signals from within my apartment building showing up right now, mine being the sixth and the only one encrypted.

If a radio station broadcasts into my living room can they charge me if I listen to it?

[Verto]

Originally posted by Kaak
i don't think it will stick...it is the owners responsibility to secure the network, otherwise it is generally accepted that the use thereof is fair game...

My neighbor has his car in his driveway with the doors opened letting it air out - is the use thereof fair game?

[Patroklos]

Especially if his network is spilling onto my property. Or should I file a lawsuit against them for poluting my property with their Wi-Fi signals?

[General Ludd]

Originally posted by Verto


My neighbor has his car in his driveway with the doors opened letting it air out - is the use thereof fair game?

Does he leave the keys in the ignition, too?

[Kaak]

yes verto, you can use the air coming out of his car not really a good comparison

[asleepathewheel]

Originally posted by Q Cubed
At least you realized just how much overkill a felony charge is for this, Kid. While it's morally questionable, it's nothing on the level of murder, rape, burglary, or hell, even WEP cracking.

Theft in most jurisdictions is a felony. This case is analogous to theft. Why wouldn't it be charged similarly?

FYI, the general definition of a felony is a crime that is punishable by more than 365 days. Not just murder, rape, etc etc.

This is the problem with both law and peanut gallery commentators.
They have no ****ing clue what they're talking about

Indeed.

[Q Classic]

Haha, asleepatthewheel has hoisted me by my own petard.

At least in response to the felony thing.

And yes, it is theft--but the reason why I mention WEP cracking is this: If you leave your stuff out without any sort of security measure, and someone takes it while you're away, part of it is your fault.

Encrypting your wireless node is a trivial task if you're familiar with technology, and something that's not even that difficult, if you read the manual. A lot of wireless modem/router combos come with it active on default.

Personally, I think the person bringing the charges is a tool for *****ing about something that's partially his own fault. It's no different than if you leave your keys in the car with the window down, and it gets stolen, or if you leave a laptop in the middle of a park.