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melchioe · 07-15-2004

I'm trying to convince some people about the illegality of actually connecting to a network (not just detecting, but connecting and/or actually using it). I have seen a number of references in these forums about laws, both federal and state (and I seem to recall even some city ordinances referred to), but I have not yet seen a direct reference to a particular law that prohibits connections. Also, I've seen some debate as to what constitutes the illegal act - some folks say connect, some folks say use.

Me, I won't even connect to see if I can get an IP number - but I've heard other folks (not on this forum) say it's not illegal unless you try to access a host on the network (a DHCP server would be a host, IMO). But they're trying to say that unless you go to a web site or telnet somewhere or something intentional like that, it doesn't constitute "using" a network. I disagree, but I haven't been able to find the appropriate laws to disprove their assertions.

Any pointers to any cases, statues, regulations, or ordinances would be most welcome.

07-15-2004	#1 (permalink)
melchioe Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 10	What are the specific laws? I'm trying to convince some people about the illegality of actually connecting to a network (not just detecting, but connecting and/or actually using it). I have seen a number of references in these forums about laws, both federal and state (and I seem to recall even some city ordinances referred to), but I have not yet seen a direct reference to a particular law that prohibits connections. Also, I've seen some debate as to what constitutes the illegal act - some folks say connect, some folks say use. Me, I won't even connect to see if I can get an IP number - but I've heard other folks (not on this forum) say it's not illegal unless you try to access a host on the network (a DHCP server would be a host, IMO). But they're trying to say that unless you go to a web site or telnet somewhere or something intentional like that, it doesn't constitute "using" a network. I disagree, but I haven't been able to find the appropriate laws to disprove their assertions. Any pointers to any cases, statues, regulations, or ordinances would be most welcome.