Billions of people use the internet on a daily basis. Markets, jobs, and corporations use the internet to create sales of their products and generate revenue. However, there are some illegal activities that people and corporations do that many do not realize.
Using Copyrighted Images
Contrary to many beliefs, it is essential to recognize that every image or photograph on the internet is owned by its creators, whether it be photographers or corporations. In the absence of public domain status, any usage of these visuals for personal or commercial purposes is bound the requirements of obtaining consent, payment, or attribution by the creators of the image. Using images without specified permission can lead to potential revenue loss, which can be a civil case against the perpetrator.
Faking Your Identity Online
Identity fraud is a serious offense which involves the unauthorized use of another individual’s personal details for deceptive or fraudulent purposes. It is considered unlawful and carries severe legal consequences. Moreover, falsifying one’s age on social media platforms violates the “terms of use” of the respective site, posing significant risks to minors by compromising their privacy.
Using Unofficial Streaming Services
Unofficial services boast a larger selection of classic and contemporary films and television shows, thus rendering them superior to established streaming platforms such as Netflix. Furthermore, they are free compared to official counterparts, making them an appealing option to end-users. Even though the use of unauthorized streaming services is widespread due to their convenience, it must be noted that they infringe on copyright regulations, putting these services in direct violation of the law. Thus, streaming services without proper authorization tend to cause financial losses for production firms, as these firms may not receive fair compensation for their work. This underlines the importance of adhering to proper legal channels when accessing film and television programs.
Bullying and Trolling
The immersion of smartphones and the internet has unfortunately led to the widespread occurrence of cyberbullying and trolling. However, applications and platforms now have the authority to sanction individuals that violate the “terms of service” of said application. While there are numerous laws against cyberbullying and trolling, it is generally seen as a civil matter, although it could lead to a potential criminal charges and incarceration in severe cases.
Using Other People’s Internet Networks
Within the majority of United States, there is a lack of legislative measures prohibiting the the use of using other people’s internet. However, there is also an absence of laws permitting it. It must be recognized that utilizing another individual’s internet connectivity, which they are exclusively responsible for financing, without their express consent is illegal, as it constitutes an act of theft. Additionally, connecting to someone else’s Wi-Fi network can potentially present unwanted risks.
