Am I a thief?
So...here's the thing. One of my neighbors, I don't know which, has a wireless network set up. And their network goes into my airspace in my apartment and my computer can't help but pick it up and connect. And so I use it. I actually pic up like 4 or 5 networks, but most people block theirs in our complex. Now I figure that if they didn't want anyone to use it they would encrypt it, but this one doesn't, so I use it everyday. I'm not going to pay for my own network when I can use this one. Some have told me that I'm stealing, but I don't see it that way. Is it stealing? Am I a thief? What do you think?
posted by Tim Oas @ 1:14 AM
7 Comments:
If it turns out that you are stealing then try to keep up the thievery until after I visit...then you can feel guilty.
I'll try. I can't help it.
If they encrypted it and you hacked through their encryption, then yes, you would be a thief.
However, since they are not encrypting it and it is available on the open airwaves, no. It is like someone saying you are stealing television by utilizing an antenna instead of cable to get TV.
I just ran across your blog today, and this link earlier today:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/05/technology/05wireless.html?ex=1299214800&en=de40126b08550e0a&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss
Check it out and see what you think.
Thanks Paul. Interesting article. I wonder if there will be more laws about the use of WiFi? Until then, I'm going to 'stick it to the man' and borrow my neighbor's. And someday I will have my own, and I will let my neighbors use it too.
I leave my wireless open to share with my neighbors...If I cared I would secure it. So maybe you also have a benevolent neighbor. How is your conscience anyway?
Tim,
This is Pete in Manila. My 12 year old daughter (Carina) says its stealing if your not paying for it and don't have permission to use it. Maybe a way to meet your neighbors before you move.
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