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December 20, 2006

Singapore Youth Admits Wi-Fi Mooching

By Glenn Fleishman

In a country without chewing gum, can one be free? With Singapore poised to offer Wi-Fi nationwide, and with a free, low-speed versions being offered for a long initial period, it’s somewhat interesting that a youth was charged with (and admitted to) “wireless mooching.” He picked a bad time and place to get bored. The Straits Times reports that 17-year-old Garyl Tan Jia Luo said he was locked out of Internet access by his mother—who thought he was spending too much time online—and accessed an unsecured network while outside at 3 am. The mooched-from neighbor confronted Tan, and, after an argument, called the police.

The judge appears to have shown lenience given possible penalties—three years in jail and a $10,000 fine. The judge turned down an offer to impose a small fine, an offer made by Tan’s attorney. The judge suggested that the youth might avoid a criminal record by enlisting in national service earlier than is normally the case. Tan may receive probation if he agrees.

Posted by Glennf at December 20, 2006 1:42 PM

Categories: Legal

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