Keeping with the theme of WiFi, is it illegal to use an unsecured wireless signal emitted from a coffee shop while not patronizing the business? The answer is yes in the village of Sparta, Michigan. Recently, there was a court case in the United States involving a person who had gained access to the unsecured wireless network of a coffee shop while sitting in his car. The theft of the wireless signal occurred each day as he routinely parked his car near the coffee shop and accessed the internet and checked emails. Because he did this each day, his behavior was reported to the police. Upon discovering his motive, police charged him under the Michigan Fraudulent access to computers, computer systems and computer networks (including WiFi) law. The maximum fine is $10,000 and five years in prison. He was found guilty of "piggybacking" but due to having no previous criminal record was given a $400 fine, must provide 40 hours of community service and enroll in a diversion program. So could this happen in Canada? A phenomenon called "warchalking" is occurring in Canada were unsecured WiFi signals are being used without permission and with no consequences. Currently, the practice does not seem to break any laws, but is it only a matter of time…..
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