Using free wireless at library described as theft

Anchorage Daily News ^ | 2/24/07 | ANDREW WELLNER

[conservative in nyc]

Strange. I can understand why driving down the street and piggybacking on your neighbor's unsecured wireless network could arguably be illegal. It was after hours, but isn't the public library's system wireless Internet system meant to be used by the public?

[The_Media_never_lie]

Seems like the police went a little overboard here.

[CedarDave]

While traveling, I've stopped by motels that advertise wireless internet and spent a few minutes checking email and Free Republic's latest threads.

[blu]

Don't we all pay taxes so the libraries can have internet services? And a network at a public library...doesn't seem like theft to me. Sounds like somebody wants to make a big deal out of this. Dorks.

[billybudd]

Simple issue. Is the public allowed to use the library's wireless internet or not?

[sarasmom]

Great point!

[CedarDave]

Aren't home networks password protected, or are many too lazy or technically challenged to use a password.

[ClearCase_guy]

He should give back what he stole.

[quantim]

Considering that the bandwidth is from public dollars it isn't unreasonable that anyone within that wireless hotspot be able to use it. The cops may have been a little overzealous.

However, illegal parking, loitering, or other public nuisance seems like a better approach if there is a violation of the local ordinances.

[Cooter]

http://www.wififreespot.com

[taxesareforever]

I would like to know what law was broken. Does this mean that scanners are illegal?

[ctdonath2]

It can't be construed as illegal.

To connect, your computer asks permission to connect. The router then indicates whether or not permission is granted.

Make sure the judge understands this.

[Alouette]

I guess there is no crime in Palmer, Alaska.

[CindyDawg]

If they told him to go park in a public place.....If he can afford a Dell lap top, and a scanner he should be able to al least afford dial up.

[ctdonath2]

Scanners are explicitly prohibited in federal law from operating at cell phone frequencies. Scanners sold must block access to those frequencies.

[Smokin' Joe]

If he pays a tax in the community which goes to fund the library, did he steal anything? or did he pay for it?

[PAR35]

but isn't the public library's system wireless Internet system meant to be used by the public?

Depends on why he was using it instead of a connection that could be tied back to him.

"The police officer confiscated Tanner's laptop in order to inspect what he may have been downloading, Remaley said."

The case will probably go away if there isn't anything illicit on the machine.

[goldstategop]

I didn't know using something's that's free is now viewed as a crime. I guess the cops have too much time on their hands to go after the real criminals.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[Jet Jaguar]

This whole issue is bunk.

I would compare it to a drive-in theater.

Tune your stereo to the right freq and sit out on the hill, free movie.

The providers of the wireless service could password protect this stuff if it was such a big deal.

[rabscuttle385]

It's not theft, it's unauthorized access...and I don't know why this kid surrendered his computer BEFORE the police had obtained a search warrant. Correct me if I got the facts wrong.