Fourteen Major Illegal Activities on the Internet

Installing an ad-blocker or creating a GIF may seem like no big deal, but in fact, some of the things we do online everyday are not legal. Although some of these actions are unlikely to land you in jail, it is still better to be cautious. Take a look at some illegal activities provided by this issue of Fun Technology, and think twice before downloading pictures from Google next time.

1. Mobile phone unlocking.

In January this year, foreign media reported that American consumers who unlocked their newly purchased contract phones to use services provided by different telecommunications operators were committing an illegal act. However, jailbreaking is still considered legal from a technical standpoint. Jailbreaking an iPhone means removing some restrictions from the original system of the phone, allowing for the installation of various plug-ins and patches, making it more open and convenient for users.

According to new regulations issued by the Library of Congress in January, even if the contract with a specific operator has expired, privately unlocking the phone using software remains illegal. If the user wants to switch operators, authorized unlocking by an authorized operator is legal, such as going to AT&T or Verizon for unlocking.

2. Grooveshark.

Grooveshark, which provides online music streaming services, is often sued by major record companies for copyright infringement, including EMI Records, Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music. Even though the service has paid certain record companies, much of its content can still be illegally accessed.

3. Ad-blocking.

Although ads can be annoying, those annoying pop-up ads on web pages are actually paying for the free content you watch. Skipping these ads to watch web content for free might technically be considered illegal. Since visitors have not actually watched the advertisers' ads, it could cause some websites to lose billions of dollars annually.

4. Creating GIF images.

Using copyrighted content without permission is illegal. Although parodying copyrighted content remains legal despite criticism, directly copying from other sources is not legal. However, since many GIFs are widely distributed and the source of the images is unclear, it is almost impossible to sue for turning copyrighted content into GIFs.

5. Downloading and using files without permission.

A quick Google search to claim JPG, PNG, PDF, or other format files found is obviously illegal. Browsing them online is fine, but once you download a cat picture you found and share it freely, it is no longer a legal action. Of course, if you get permission from the file owner or the file has a copyright license, you can use it.

6. Remote working in another country on a tourist visa.

Remote working in another country on a tourist visa is basically checking work emails while traveling or vacationing in another country. It is difficult to determine whether this behavior is illegal, and in some countries, it is illegal. For example, if you are an American citizen remotely working for an American company, which pays you and taxes in America, working remotely in the UK without a work visa is illegal.

7. Connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi.

When you go to Starbucks, even if there is available Wi-Fi, don't connect randomly because someone might set up their own Wi-Fi and change the name to Starbucks. Once you connect, they can steal data from your computer.

8. VPN and IP address loopholes.

Can't access Netflix abroad? Set up a VPN so your IP address looks like it's from the US, and that will solve the problem. Of course, this is technically illegal.

9. Sharing subscription passwords.

Among the millions of people subscribing to HBO Go and Netflix, about one-third admit to having shared passwords before. However, sharing passwords is not legal and promotes a free-riding spirit among more users, enjoying these companies' services for free.

10. Creating fake accounts on Twitter.

It is not allowed on Twitter to create fake accounts without clearly indicating their authenticity. According to Twitter's account application terms, users are not allowed to impersonate others.

11. Children under 13 opening Facebook accounts.

Many countries require Facebook to post disclaimers on their homepage prohibiting children under 13 from opening accounts to protect the safety of children's online activities.

12. Registering trademarked domain names.

Registering domain names with words from others' registered trademarks when the company has not yet registered their trademark as a domain name is also illegal. The company has the right to take legal action against you, even if you registered the trademark domain first.

13. Breaking through paywalls.

While using Google proxy servers can easily break through firewalls, breaking through paywalls is another illegal act of obtaining content without paying for it.

14. Uploading copyrighted content to YouTube.

Uploading copyrighted content to YouTube may be illegal. Especially in countries with very strict copyright systems, there is almost no room for piracy and similar activities.