I would like to think that you are, but it depends on several factors. Let’s say that you and your roommate share a wifi connection in an apartment and one or both are doing illegal activity, then you are liable. But, if you are sharing your wireless and some person finds your wireless connection and uses it illegally, then you are not liable. I still figure even if you let the connection open to other people and the RIAA comes knocking on your door, how are you going to prove that it wasn’t you?
Here is the scam. Many people are leaving their connections open so that if any illegal activity is going on on their IP address, they can claim that someone used their connection! I truly believe that if you aren’t savvy enough to lock down your wireless, you should be liable. I mean, who wants to leave all of their documents open to everyone that can see your router? Not me. You are responsible for all of your actions and putting a password on a router is quite simple. So if you are using someone else’s connection and downloading music, please realize that you may get the other person in trouble.
If you claim that you don’t have enough money to pay for internet, then cut out something else in your budget. Like the netflix account, or maybe even HBO from your digital cable. Internet is cheap. Just don’t get other people in trouble.
