Can passwords be shared if necessary for a user to access an account if that account owner is unavailable?

Answer 1

Sharing passwords like that is often done. While it's usually against the Terms Of Service (TOS) of the website, in some cases it's morally justified and acceptable. For example: If your friend (or relative) is in the hospital or on vacation or in jail (etc.) for a few months, he/she can give you the password to their email account. Especially if the email account is the freekind that expires and gets closed if not logged into in 2 or 3 months. That's morally acceptable, with your friend's permission, in order not to lose the email account. You're doing your friend a favor without getting any benefit for yourself. However, your friend and you would be responsible for anything you do by using that email account, so passwords should only be shared between people who trust each other's jugdement. Personally, I would do something like the above example for a good friend or relative, to help them out, because nobody is getting cheated. But I might not do something like the example below, to help myself to get something without paying for it, because that's like stealing: A different example: If your friend is unavailable, as in the example above, he/she may give you the password to a pay site (of any kind). The paid subscription or membership doesn't depend on you logging in to keep the account active. You're benefitting in some way by being able to log in and make use of the paid service, without paying. Like the above example, that's usually against the Terms Of Service (TOS) of the website. In addition, it's not morally acceptable, and may even be illegal. Not only could the paid membership be cancelled, but both you and your friend could face legal problems, including charges of fraud! In spite of this, some people share passwords in this way. Some don't get caught, but a few do get caught. In general: Passwords shouldn't be shared. If they are shared, then both of you would be responsible for doing anything against the rules, such as sending hateful messages (etc.). If passwords are only given to paying members/customers, then you shouldn't share passwords. And if you do, you must be really super-extra careful about using it. Pay websites don't like people using tricks to avoid paying for their services, so they may ask their lawyers or the police to stop you. Think twice. Legal charges or convictions of online theft or fraud make you look bad and might affect whatever you might want to do in the future. Of course, if you're an adult, the correct and legal way to do it would be to get a properly signed and witnessed 'Power Of Attorney'document from your friend or relative, to be able to do anything legal for them, on their behalf, while they're unable to.

Answer 2

Yes, they can be given to each person who would want to access the account or file. However, many companies ask that each person keep their password private--then there is no chance that someone else can maliciously view or change an important document.

Answer 3

passwords should NEVER be shared unless of course u want someone to hack your account then that's fine..........................

Answer 4

false

Answer 5

false

Answer 6

no