Is piggybacking(obtaining free wifi internet from someone else without permission) illegal in California?”
I’m not a lawyer, but you can read the law for yourself at http://law.onecle.com/california/penal/502.html The text of the law appears to outlaw piggybacking. Here’s the relevant text: (3) Knowingly and without permission uses or causes to be used computer services. Here’s the definition of “computer services” the law provides: 4) “Computer services” includes, but is not limited to, computer time, data processing, or storage functions, or other uses of a computer, computer system, or computer network. That’s a pretty broad definition if you ask me that would cover just about everything. I think if you can’t afford Internet access you utilize the free computer/Internet access that public libraries offer or you ask your neighbor for permission to use their WiFi.
