{"id":97161,"date":"2018-02-08T20:35:35","date_gmt":"2018-02-08T20:35:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=97161"},"modified":"2025-07-01T23:40:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T06:40:24","slug":"10-illegal-things-youre-doing-online-without-knowing-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/10-illegal-things-youre-doing-online-without-knowing-it\/","title":{"rendered":"10 illegal things you&#8217;re doing online without knowing it"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Do you pride yourself on being a law-abiding citizen? People are often shocked to learn that many of the internet-based activities they engage in every day are illegal.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll look at numerous law-breaking behaviors below. If some seem familiar, don\u2019t worry; we&#8217;ll also give you alternative\u00a0legal options.<\/p>\n<h2>10 illegal things you&#8217;re doing online without knowing it<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Using Torrent services to grab copyrighted material<\/h3>\n<p>Torrent services allow you to tap into the resources other people have and download \u201cchunks\u201d of a file until your computer\u2019s hard drive eventually contains the whole thing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maketecheasier.com\/is-downloading-torrent-legal-or-illegal\/\">Torrent services themselves are not illegal<\/a> because you could potentially use them to get non-copyrighted material. But by relying on them to get the latest TV episodes or songs, you\u2019re breaking the law.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-97175\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-extracting-music-from-youtube.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" \/><br \/>\n<strong>What to do instead:<\/strong> Explore legal routes of obtaining the media you want. There is a growing number of subscription-based streaming services for movies, music, and TV shows. If cost is a concern, start putting aside a small amount of money to use specifically for legal means of watching and listening to your favorite things.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align:center; width:100%; margin:12px 0;\">\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n  google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-8132844949421936\";\r\n  var google_ad_slot = '9677578764';\r\n  if (window.innerWidth <= 470) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 300;\r\n    google_ad_height = 50;\r\n  }\r\n  else if (window.innerWidth < 1360) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 468;\r\n    google_ad_height = 60;\r\n  }\r\n  else {\r\n    google_ad_width = 728;\r\n    google_ad_height = 90;\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\r\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3>2. Sending spam emails<\/h3>\n<p>Judging by the number of spam emails you probably receive per day, you\u2019d\u00a0 never think that sending them was illegal. You might even feel tempted to distribute some yourself, especially when trying to get people to pay attention to something you\u2019re promoting. However, <strong>spamming is illegal per the CAN-SPAM Act of 2003<\/strong>. Despite its misleading name, it prohibits sending spam and enforces hefty fines.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to do instead:<\/strong> Consider encouraging people to follow your social media profiles. By doing that, they\u2019re indicating they want to know more about what\u2019s important to you. Keep in mind, though, that some federal courts ruled that the CAN-SPAM Act applies to social media too, so be careful to verify that people truly appreciate and value what you send.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-starred-link\">\r\n  <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__body\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__row clearfix\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__col-logo\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-starred-link__img\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2017\/10\/blue-google-192.jpg\" width=\"100px\" height=\"100px\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__col-title\">\r\n        <p class=\"sc-card-starred-link__title\">Is Google Search Always the Best Option?<\/p>\r\n        <a class=\"sc-card-starred-link__button\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/is-google-search-always-the-best-option\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\">Read NOW<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"sc-card-starred-link__link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/is-google-search-always-the-best-option\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3>3. Writing a fake news article to damage someone\u2019s reputation<\/h3>\n<p>Fake news has become an especially prevalent topic since the most recent U.S. presidential election. Because it\u2019s so commonplace, you might not think there\u2019s any harm in writing a bogus story that could hurt a person\u2019s reputation.<\/p>\n<p>However, coming up with that kind of illegitimate news \u2014 along with producing any libelous online content \u2014 is illegal. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hostgator.com\/blog\/illegal-things-internet-website-rules-laws\/\">Legislators have not yet banned fake news<\/a> in the U.S, but major sites including Facebook are cracking down on it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to do instead:<\/strong> Put energy into boosting your reputation instead of worrying about other people&#8217;s statuses. Also, if you love appearing in the news, organize notable events in the community and write press releases to distribute to news outlets.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Using photos you found on Google<\/h3>\n<p>Like many people, you might think Google\u2019s image search is one of the most convenient features around. Unfortunately, it\u2019s not okay to freely use the pictures found through that method for a blog post, website, or another type of web-based content. Many are copyrighted, and by using them without permission from the owner, <strong>you\u2019re breaking the law<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-97177\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-images-from-google.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"899\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-images-from-google.jpg 899w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-images-from-google-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-images-from-google-768x491.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 899px) 100vw, 899px\" \/><br \/>\n<strong>What to do instead:<\/strong> Depend on photos that use a\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/\">Creative Commons<\/a> license. There are many <a href=\"https:\/\/solutions.softonic.com\/what-are-the-best-free-stock-photos-websites\">websites<\/a> that compile such photos and allow you to search and download them for free.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align:center; width:100%; margin:12px 0;\">\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n  google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-8132844949421936\";\r\n  var google_ad_slot = '9677578764';\r\n  if (window.innerWidth <= 470) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 300;\r\n    google_ad_height = 50;\r\n  }\r\n  else if (window.innerWidth < 1360) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 468;\r\n    google_ad_height = 60;\r\n  }\r\n  else {\r\n    google_ad_width = 728;\r\n    google_ad_height = 90;\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\r\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3>5. Over-the-line pranking on YouTube<\/h3>\n<p>Spend just five minutes browsing YouTube after typing a search term like \u201chumor\u201d or \u201cprank,\u201d and it\u2019s clear that people have varied opinions on what\u2019s funny. Mike and Heather Martin learned that the hard way by when they were put on probation for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2017\/sep\/12\/youtube-parents-children-heather-mike-martin\">allegations of child neglect<\/a>. The couple had a YouTube channel that showcased questionable parenting techniques, including playing jokes on their youngsters that traumatized rather than amused them.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to do instead:<\/strong> Before launching a YouTube channel based on humor, run the idea by several friends and get their take. The Martins\u2019 content outraged many people, and the individuals in your circle of friends will probably raise red flags if needed, too. If in doubt, choose another angle. Doing that is better than risking getting in hot water.<\/p>\n<h3>6. Making a website that\u2019s not in accordance with a service agreement<\/h3>\n<p>Even though some unsavory internet activities fall into a \u201cgrey area\u201d as far as state or national laws go, website hosting services probably make them illegal. The specifics vary, but if you have a site with threatening or obscene content, it\u2019s probably a no-go. The website probably won\u2019t stay live for long.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to do instead:<\/strong>\u00a0For starters, don&#8217;t launch a site with threatening or obscene content! Also, read all the legal stipulations associated with a hosting service before you sign up for it. If you have questions along the way, get answers from an official representative rather than asking friends or making assumptions.<\/p>\n<h3>7. Impersonating a friend on social media<\/h3>\n<p>Most people have done it to joke around, but depending on where you live, it might be illegal to log in to the social media account of a person you know for impersonation. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reputationdefender.com\/blog\/privacy\/online-impersonation-laws\">Nine states made online impersonation illegal<\/a>, but there are some specifics regarding what\u2019s against the law.<\/p>\n<p>For example, you cannot pretend to be someone else as a way to coerce a person into giving you money. An impersonation attempt that embarrasses an individual and harms his or her reputation is also barred.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to do instead:<\/strong> Stick to publishing content on your own accounts. And resist the urge to take advantage of someone who fell asleep while logged into a service. Take the high road and realize that poking fun at someone isn\u2019t worth damaging a friendship.<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align:center; width:100%; margin:12px 0;\">\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n  google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-8132844949421936\";\r\n  var google_ad_slot = '9677578764';\r\n  if (window.innerWidth <= 470) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 300;\r\n    google_ad_height = 50;\r\n  }\r\n  else if (window.innerWidth < 1360) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 468;\r\n    google_ad_height = 60;\r\n  }\r\n  else {\r\n    google_ad_width = 728;\r\n    google_ad_height = 90;\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\r\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3>8. Being insensitive or unkind online<\/h3>\n<p>Because you typically don\u2019t see people\u2019s facial expressions while interacting with them online, it\u2019s hard to know how they\u2019ll react. If you bring up sensitive topics and keep mentioning them after someone tells you to stop, <strong>you might be participating in cyberbullying<\/strong>. Although there are no federal laws against it, there are\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teensafe.com\/blog\/cyberbullying-illegal-breakdown-state\/\">48 state-specific laws<\/a> against harassing someone online.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to do instead:<\/strong> Remember that the battles a person deals with aren\u2019t always obvious. If someone says that your words or actions online are causing them distress, listen up and change your approach. Offering an apology is another good step.<\/p>\n<h3>9. Collecting personal information about people younger than 13 without permission<\/h3>\n<p>Maybe you\u2019re interested in opening a candy shop in your town or creating a web portal where young people can spend time safely. Those are both innocent activities, but if you use surveys or other means of freely gathering data from people who are under 13, you\u2019re violating the <a href=\"https:\/\/epic.org\/privacy\/kids\/#introduction\">Children\u2019s Online Protection Act<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What to do instead:<\/strong> Get a verifiable form of consent from children\u2019s parents. You must also mention which information you\u2019re using and how. If your online destination includes online gaming or a contest, limiting the information you take is another crucial step to stay within the law.<\/p>\n<h3>10. Extracting the audio from most YouTube videos<\/h3>\n<p>There are many websites where you can input the address of a published YouTube video, wait a few seconds, and get an audio file containing sounds from the clip. People often view those sites as solutions for getting music for free. After all, the selection available from YouTube is virtually limitless. But this practice is illegal when using it for copyrighted material.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-97176\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-torrenting-movies-1024x487.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"840\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-torrenting-movies-1024x487.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-torrenting-movies-300x143.jpg 300w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-torrenting-movies-768x365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/02\/illegal-things-torrenting-movies.jpg 1117w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 840px) 100vw, 840px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>What to do instead:<\/strong> Download the free version of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.spotify.com\/\">Spotify.<\/a> This streaming service\u2019s library includes millions of songs, plus podcasts, video episodes and audiobooks. Who needs those illegal sites when you can explore all that content?<\/p>\n<p>Ready to take this newfound knowledge out into the world?\u00a0 Hopefully,\u00a0you&#8217;ll avoid the hassles of terminated accounts and shuttered sites due to unwittingly breaking the rules. Good luck, and stay clean!<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align:center; width:100%; margin:12px 0;\">\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n  google_ad_client = \"ca-pub-8132844949421936\";\r\n  var google_ad_slot = '9677578764';\r\n  if (window.innerWidth <= 470) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 300;\r\n    google_ad_height = 50;\r\n  }\r\n  else if (window.innerWidth < 1360) {\r\n    google_ad_width = 468;\r\n    google_ad_height = 60;\r\n  }\r\n  else {\r\n    google_ad_width = 728;\r\n    google_ad_height = 90;\r\n  }\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\r\nsrc=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you pride yourself on being a law-abiding citizen? People are often shocked to learn that many of the internet-based activities they engage in every day are illegal. We\u2019ll look at numerous law-breaking behaviors below. If some seem familiar, don\u2019t worry; we&#8217;ll also give you alternative\u00a0legal options. 10 illegal things you&#8217;re doing online without knowing &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/10-illegal-things-youre-doing-online-without-knowing-it\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;10 illegal things you&#8217;re doing online without knowing it&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9088,"featured_media":97174,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wpcf-pageviews":1},"categories":[],"tags":[],"usertag":[],"vertical":[],"content-category":[],"class_list":["post-97161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9088"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=97161"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97161\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":328308,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/97161\/revisions\/328308"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/97174"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=97161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=97161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=97161"},{"taxonomy":"usertag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/usertag?post=97161"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=97161"},{"taxonomy":"content-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-category?post=97161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}