Breaking the law is something most of us strenuously avoid, but there are actually a slew of illegal things that even the most conscientious people do just about every single day—and usually get away with. These may be minor infractions we know we shouldn’t do (but make a habit of when we see everyone else doing it), or laws we break without knowing they are laws in the first place. Read on for 30 weird things that are illegal that you’re likely guilty of doing at least once in your life.
Using Public WiFi
You need to get online and spot an open network, so you hop on. Called “piggybacking,” this is a crime in many states, punishable by fines and even jail time in extreme cases. For example, in Sparta, MI, a man was arrested for checking his email from his car using a café’s WiFi and was eventually charged a $400 fine and 40 hours of community service.
Singing Happy Birthday
“Happy Birthday to You” is the most recognized song in the English language, according to Guinness World Records, but until 2016, it was illegal for you to sing it (at least to sing it on a recording or film). The song’s writers, Mildred and Patty Hill, had copyrighted it and the use of it was prosecuted until a ruling two years ago stipulated that the song was in the public domain.
Using a Fake Name Online
When you just want to buy something online and they make you “register” or if you’re signing up for something you might be embarrassed to have found out, you’ve probably popped in some kind of generic name into the fields to avoid disclosing your real identity. Well, that’s against the law according to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which was used to prosecute a Rhode Island prison guard in 2010 for creating a fake Facebook profile for his boss.
You can read the full article at Best Life.