Wi-Fi Criminal Liability

Answer 1

Can you be held responsible if someone engages in illegal activity using your WiFi Connection?

Ordinarily, you should not be held liable if another person engages in illegal activity while using your account in an unauthorized manner. The authorities should be able to trace the exact source of the illegal activity in order to apprehend the correct suspect.

For example, if a neighbor hacks into your WiFi account without your permission, and then engages in illegal activity using your account, it is likely that you will not be held liable. However, if you did authorize their use of the WiFi network, or did not secure your WiFi with a password, it is possible that you may become involved in whatever criminal charges are brought against your neighbor.

A recent case in 2011 illustrates this point. A New York resident had his house raided by the police because they suspected that he was downloading child pornography. However, the resident was not responsible for the activity, but rather his neighbor who was logged into the man’s unsecured account. While the resident was not found guilty, he was still involved in the legal process because he did not protect his account with a password.

Are You required by Law to Password-protect your own WiFi account?

A person is not required by law to password-protect their WiFi accounts. However, it is certainly worth it to take the time to set up a password for your wireless internet connection so that no one can use it without your authorization.

Most Internet Service Providers assign its customers passwords when the Internet connection is setup. However, if that is not the case with your account and you are unsure of how to set up a password for your WiFi system, there are several websites and videos online that can teach you how to secure your WiFi.

What are “WiFi Scams”?

A popular WiFi scam occurs where a person or persons set up a fake WiFi service for the purpose of gaining access to the computer files of persons who use the connection. Such scams are illegal and are punishable according to criminal laws.

For example, a scammer might send out a network signal for free, unsecured open WiFi connection and call it “Free Public WiFi Access”. Computer users may then be enticed to use the WiFi connection, thinking that it is a legitimate public access point. However, once they log on, the scammers running the WiFi account will then tap into the various computers that are logged onto the bogus WiFi connection and access information such as, bank account information, passwords and email transmissions.

So, it is not advisable to log into a WiFi account if you are not acquainted with the person or company who owns the account. Even if the WiFi is named “Public Wi-Fi”, you should not use it without verifying that it is legitimate- it could simply be a front for illegal internet activity.

Finally, the best thing to do is not to use unfamiliar WiFi accounts, and to secure your own WiFi connection with a strong password.

Disclaimer:

The legal information provided within this guideline is not warranted or guaranteed for any purpose. Please consult with a legal professional to determine your rights.