Is using an open network WiFi considered stealing? or morally incorrect behavior?

Question

I live in a 14 story high rise. Some of my neighbors have set up their wireless routers with NO password protection or Access Control Lists (ACL). This means that any device can connect to and utilize their Internet without having to pay.

Based on their IP address, I've determined that they are using ComCast. The Comcast Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) clearly says that the subscriber is responsible for any an all activity that may occur over his account/bandwidth.

So is using the Internet using an Open Network WiFi connection considered stealing? (WiFi radio waves are going thru a public space).

Is using Open Network WiFi considered as immoral behavior?

Answer 1

if they owners have not put a protection on the router it is not illegal however if there is a protection and you hack the password it is a crime

this is actually what many pedifiles do they use networks for looking at illegal sites so as long as your not doing anything like that it isnt a big problem or morally inncorect

Answer 2

It's fine....some people would say you are cheap..i say ur smart

Answer 3

Set up your own internet connection, using other peoples might upset them. you never know.

Answer 4

If they set up the network without a password then it's free game and they accepted the liability when they did so

Answer 5

Interesting question. I would say stealing their bandwidth may be immoral, but not criminal. And it sounds like comcast may back you up on that. Now if you are getting on their network and checking out their files that is probably criminal.

Bottom line: I wouldn't do it, but if you get good enough reception it probably won't hurt anything. Just try to keep the file sharing and p**n watching to a minimum.

Answer 6

While the neighbors are supposed to activate wireless security and remain responsible for all activity that passes through their modem to the Internet, unauthorized use of a wireless network is in most cases illegal.  Some states call this illegal entry, some call it theft, and others have other classifications.  

If your neighbor left his garage door wide open with the keys in the car and the motor running it is still illegal to enter the garage and help yourself to the car.  If caught you would be charged with auto theft.  

The car theft analogy is pretty clear and not debated even if the motor is running, door is open, etc.  People continue to debate the legal ramifications of using another's wireless connection and claim that the owner should have instituted security to keep others out.  In fact there is no difference in the two cases in that both constitute unauthorized use of another's property which is stealing from a legal viewpoint.

From an ethics or morals viewpoint, the unauthorized use of another's property is not open to debate.  Clearly such acts constitute stealing.  The commandment is "Thou shall not steal" and is not "Thou shall not steal what is not firmly locked up, hidden, and patroled by armed guards".  

Public wireless hot spots are different.  They are for public access.  For example, a cafe owner installs public access wireless Internet for his patrons.  He hopes the internet access will draw in more patrons and draw larger orders from all patrons while they use the Internet.  However, you describe private wireless networks where the owner failed to install security.

Answer 7

As long as you don't abuse it and use that connection to steal information or anything illegal, then there is no problem.

Answer 8

um yeah thats considered illegal just because the internet companies want you buying your own(more $ for them)people still do it all the time though and i dont see how you could get cought but......it is considered stealing

Answer 9

It depends on the state. Some states can interpret as illegally accessing a computer network even if say....a coffee shop is advertising free internet...

Answer 10

In the UK it is considered theft and there have been successful prosecutions.

Answer 11

No it isnt stealing or immoral. If they didnt want there connection open the can secure it. Now if you hack into a closed netowrk then its stealing.

Answer 12

i dnt think is it stealing, but i would feel so bad if my neighbours had a big bill because of me. they are stupid for not having passwords on their routers. i think u shouldnt feel bad, continue using it, but dont go crazy on it...cause someone else is paying!!!

Answer 13

ummm no, if they dont have a password, then they dont care if other people use their internet...thats what wifi is all about!! and besides, wifi is free for them too, so its meant for everyone.

Answer 14

no it's called their WiFi network trespassed into your territory

lik if my neighbor's fruit tree grows into my backyard of course im gonna pick the fruits.

*****Edit*****

In your additional details, if someone else's car was in your driveway, i believe you can drive it in and out of your garage because it's on YOUR property. You can smash the headlights because they left it on your driveway, which is your property. But only if they meant to leave it there on purpose without your permission, not if you borrowed it or they accidentally drove into it or it somehow rolled onto it. If it accidentally got into your driveway, then they need to do something about it right away. If they just leave it there, then they left it there on purpose without your permission. But only in your driveway though, you cant drive it anywhere else.

And so "they" left their WiFi network in your property without permission. Accidently, but they didnt do anything about it.

And what do you mean by:

"This is most likely closer to the Fruit tree branch growing over into your yard." What does 'this' refer to? The WiFi network or the car?

"The tree has a branch that grows into your yard, can you eat the fruits?" uh, yeahh~.

1. it's on my property, you shoulda cut it off before it came over

2. i have a huge appetite

3. im sure they wont mind about such little thing. call the cops on me cuz i ate your fruits? i dont think so. plus i still have reason #1

Answer 15

I get WAY more bandwidth than I could ever use, so I don't secure my connection, even though I do know how to secure it.

If you wanna piggy back on my connection....help yourself.

But if I find that my connection is being abused or my download speeds drop to nada...I'm booting everybody.

EDIT

I don't think the "car left with the keys in the garage" analogy quite fits.  No one is trespassing or anything.  It's closer to a correct analogy to say that your neighbor has many cars and parked some of them in YOUR garage with the keys in them.  In this case would it be ok to take it for a spin?

Answer 16

no i mean hello what do people expect when they install it just them to use it ya right!