Introduction: Movie Piracy Scenario

• Saturday night movie streaming leads to FBI raid scenario
• Potential penalties: 1 year jail or $100,000 fine
• Introduction to 14 laws millions break daily online

#14: Torrenting Copyrighted Movies

• Streaming pirated movies not technically illegal in US
• Downloading = owning unauthorized copy = intent to distribute
• Torrent sites automatically share portions while downloading
• Copyright holders actively monitor IP addresses
• Users forced to pay thousands in settlements
• Repeat offenses/high-profile content increases risk

#13: Online Threats and Harassment

• Heated debates leading to violence threats
• US law: threats to kidnap/harm = hefty fine or up to 5 years prison
• Title 18, Section 875 of US Penal Code covers this
• March 2023 case: 4chan troll arrested for threatening Florida sheriff
• Adding "in Minecraft" doesn't provide legal protection

#12: Using Copyrighted Images

• Making memes technically breaks copyright law
• Must be "sufficiently transformative" for fair use
• DMCA takedown notices possible
• Unlikely severe consequences unless repeat offender or profiting
• Law favors copyright holders

#11: Bypassing Paywalls

• Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) forbids bypassing paywalls
• Constitutes copyright infringement
• Extensions/software to bypass paywalls violate DMCA

#10: Online Merchant Tax Evasion

• Side hustles on eBay, Gumtree, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace
• Must declare income to IRS
• One-two sales won't attract attention
• Hundreds/thousands in income requires tax reporting
• IRS enforcement compared to Al Capone case

#9: Recording Voices Without Consent

• YouTube scam hunters potentially committing crimes
• 13 US states require two-party/all-party consent:
  • California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Washington
• Applies to Discord, Facebook, Skype calls
• Explicit permission required from all parties

#8: Uploading Photos/Videos Without Consent

• Public spaces: no expectation of privacy, photos allowed
• Private residences: expectation of privacy, consent required
• House party photos can be sued for removal
• Revenge porn: serious crime in 48/50 US states
• Explicit content sharing without consent has strict penalties

#7: Sharing Streaming Passwords

• Too many streaming services listed (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc.)
• Password sharing = copyright infringement
• UK Intellectual Property Office considers this piracy
• Violates user agreements and copyright law

#6: Collecting Information About Minors

• Children's Online Protection Act violation
• Cannot collect data from under-13s without written parental consent
• Applies to websites/services collecting customer data
• Serious legal and social consequences

#5: Searching for Illegal Content

• Infographic Show writers have "questionable search histories"
• Certain searches for illicit material can cause legal trouble
• Search engines collaborate with law enforcement
• Even accidental access can have consequences

#4: Purchasing Illicit Services on Deep Web

• Deep web vs dark web distinction:
  • Deep web: non-indexed sites via onion router (mostly harmless)
  • Dark web: illegal materials portion
• Common illegal activities: blackmail, extortion, drugs, weapons, identity theft
• Risks: Bitcoin scams, undercover police operations
• Potential penalties: 20 years to life in prison

#3: Downloading YouTube Videos

• Against YouTube terms of service without creator permission
• Requires third-party services to download
• Repeat offenses = copyright law violations
• DMCA strikes again
• Penalties: cease and desist to lawsuit payments

#2: Using Fake Names Online

• Identity fraud laws apply online
• Computer Fraud and Abuse Act sets limits on misrepresentation
• Distinction between anonymity and impersonation
• Parody accounts need obvious identification
• Libel laws apply to knowingly spreading damaging lies
• "In Minecraft" disclaimer doesn't provide protection

#1: Using Others' Wi-Fi Without Permission

• Computer Fraud and Abuse Act applies
• Called "piggybacking" - form of theft
• Spreads bandwidth thinner, tangibly harms network owner
• Can check for unauthorized users via client list IPs
• Frequently broken but still illegal