August 23rd 2007
The Times Online
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article2310670.ece
Astonishing events are afoot. In short, a man has been arrested for logging on to the Internet by accessing someone elses open wireless network. This is the second such example, the first being in 2005 which led to a conviction, the punishment being a £500 fine and a 12 month conditional discharge.
Is this a good example of how the law doesn't keep up with the times? My old work laptop for instance was always set to automatically log on to the strongest open signal it could fine; I wouldn't necessarily know who's network I was using.
One argument says that it is the responsibility of the network owner to secure their system, and this is, in my opinion, a very valid argument. The counter-argument would be that you should reasonably expect to be able to leave your front door open and not expect someone just to wander in. Also valid.
However, we have a unique situation here that has been created by developing technology. We are not talking about splicing someones telephone cable or even hacking into their home PC come to think of it.
Many of us are guilty of accessing open wireless networks and I am sure won't stop because of this.
I am not a legal expert but I guess the police would have to prove intent in a case like this. Therefore, if asked about how you are accessing the web when out and about ensure you don't imply that you know what network you are on and how often you have used it before!
Watch this space, I am guessing this madness will continue before it is rectified.
:~Dax~:
