Based on Andriy Slynchuk’s article “11 Illegal Things You Unknowingly Do on the Internet”, the five most serious online violations to me include:
1. Gathering Information on Kids:
This is a breach of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) which protects minors younger than 13. Exploiting, endangering and liable for legal action from parents for collecting their personal data without their consent.
2. Impersonating someone online:
Sharing your accounts or pretending to be someone else online can lead to fraud, catfishing or even identity theft. This sort of deception erodes trust, hurts victims emotionally or financially, and, in many jurisdictions, constitutes criminal impersonation.
3. Sharing Passwords, Addresses, or Photos of Others Without Consent:
Distributing someone else’s personal information without permission violates their privacy and can result in harassment, stalking, or identity theft. It is not only unethical, but it can also be prosecutable under data protection laws.
4. Bullying and Trolling:
Online harassment can have devastating effects on mental health and personal safety. What some may dismiss as trolling can lead to emotional trauma or worse, especially among younger users. Many countries now treat cyberbullying as a criminal offense.
5. Illegal Searches on The Internet:
Searching for how to commit crimes (think: hacking, building explosives, accessing the dark web) can be flagged as intent to carry out a criminal act. Such behavior is monitored and tracked by authorities and can lead to legal investigations or charges.
They are the most serious because they can cause real-world harm, they can violate a person’s rights, and they can have long-term legal ramifications.