Have you done anything illegal online lately? No? Are you sure? Internet law is confusing and constantly changes, and it’s hard to keep up with what is and isn’t illegal online. While most of it is pretty much common sense, that doesn’t stop people from falling into trouble. From torrent to unofficial streaming online, common practices online wade into murky waters of questionable legality. Having said that, if you’re like most people, these are Things You’re Doing Online That Are Probably Illegal.
Torrenting
The action of torrenting isn’t illegal, but if you’re torrenting copyrighted content, then yeah, it’s illegal. Thousands have been sued for torrenting and stealing copyrighted content.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a vicious and sometimes undetectable type of harassment. In the United States, each state has its own type of anti-bullying laws when it comes to someone being harassed online. Punishment can include expulsion from school, criminal charges for harassment, or being sued for damages.
Unofficial TV Streaming Services
Millions of people illegally watch television shows and movies through illegal online streaming websites. Game of Thrones, for instance, is considered one of the most pirated HBO television shows of all time.
Using the Deep Web
The Deep Web is the dark underbelly of the internet. Technically, accessing it isn’t illegal and even some journalists have used it to communicate with countries that have strict internet laws, but if you stumble on the wrong site, it could still get you into a ton of trouble.
Faking Your Name
This one sounds dumb, but according to the vaguely worded Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, faking your name online is illegal
Faking Your IP
While you can mask your IP, faking it is illegal under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Of course, this one shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. You can do all kinds of dodgy things when you’re anonymous.
Piggybacking
If you’re using your neighbor’s unsecured Wifi internet without their consent, it’s called “piggybacking,” and it’s illegal.
Selling on eBay without Declaring Earnings
This is pretty much common sense and a fast track way to have the IRS at your door.
Trolling
Trolls are all over the internet, and it’s likely most people at one point in time have trolled someone. However, if trolling becomes harassment, stalking, or bullying, then it’s illegal
Ad Blockers
In most countries, ad blocking isn’t illegal. China, on the other hand, has come out against ad blocking, banning it in their country.
GIFs and Memes
While some GIF’s and memes use public domain or creative commons images, many others use copyrighted content which is technically illegal. Some cite the Fair Use law, but in certain circumstances, that might not apply.
Clicking "Save Image As"
Of course, saving an image itself isn’t illegal, but as you might expect at this point, if it’s a copyrighted image, then you’re heading into treacherous waters. You now have the power to distribute, and depending on what you do with that image, it could get you into trouble.
Working Remotely on a Travel Visa
If you work from home for a US company and all of a sudden decide to go to the UK, it may be illegal to access your work email without a work visa.
Sharing Passwords
Sharing passwords is both a bad security risk and illegal. A Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that sharing passwords violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. So, just don’t do it
Parody Accounts
While not always illegal, there is a fine line, and some Twitter users have run up against it. This is especially true for those who haven’t clearly labeled their account as fake or a parody.
Under Age Accounts
According to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, children under the age of 13 cannot have an online account without the permission of their parents.
Bypassing Paywalls
While everyone wants free news and journalism, at the end of the day, newspapers and news sites are businesses that need to make money. If you bypass their paywalls, you’re virtually stealing. In Canada, a news site won $11,470 when they sued someone who bypassed their paywall.
Uploading Copyrighted Content to Youtube
Uploading copyrighted content to YouTube could get the video removed, and if the copyright holder so chooses, could get you into legal trouble. Even if you don’t monetize and claim Fair Use, it might not be enough to protect you.
Fun on Work Computers
It has something to do with using a work item for recreation. Just don’t laugh too loud.
Copying Software
This one is probably more obvious than the rest. Whether or not it is illegal depends on the rights. Some software is allowed to be distributed.
Traversing the Silk Road
Remember the deep web? The Silk Road is the online black market where you can pretty much buy anything. In this case, accessing it could land you in trouble notwithstanding purchasing anything.
Uploading a Video of You Singing Happy Birthday
You’re not allowed to sing Happy Birthday in public, which means you’re definitely not allowed to upload a video of you singing it. Why? It’s copyrighted, which is why you never really see it in movies.
Bad Mouthing China
If you’re in China, you can’t criticize the government in real life or online. Doing so could get you thrown in jail.
Hiring a Hitman
You likely have never tried to do this, but we thought we’d remind you. Whether you’re online or in real life, hiring a hitman is definitely illegal.
Content created and supplied by: Pannan (via Opera News )
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