Is using AirVPN under public school wifi considered a felony under US law?

[mehāniskākaravīrs935 24]

So, I have been informed by fellow classmates that the use of a VPN on public school wifi is considered a felony under US law under the charge of tampering with a government network. Is this true? How would this hold up in court?

[go558a83nk 352]

I know nothing about such a law but seems like that would be a stretch.  after all, you're not tampering with the network.  you're only using it for an encrypted tunnel. 

[OmniNegro 155]

This is pure bullshit. You are not "tampering" with their network. To claim you are would require them to also prove that using the network for anything other than what they want you to do would be "tampering". For instance, if they have a search engine of choice, you cannot in any stretch of the imagination be required to use it because some dumbass says it is tampering to use a different search engine.

[SumRndmDude 22]

Laws in the US vary from city to city and state to state. A felony in one area may not be in another. However, I have never heard of the criminalization of the use of a VPN in the States. It may clearly be a violation of their TOS and they can ban you, but criminal? I would love to know the statute to review.

[OpenSourcerer 1359]

This is pure bullshit. You are not "tampering" with their network.

 

This. Connecting to a VPN is like tampering with your network, since your traffic is rerouted. For the school's router it's just forwarding the packets to the next router.

[heyguy1 0]

OP dont let your classmates try to bully you.

 

Tell them that you believe them and that you will stop doing it and then just keep using it.

[OmniNegro 155]

'Eff that school, and especially the retards attending it. You broke no law, especially not a felony, and so long as the rest of your conduct is appropriate, consider challenging them. They can call the police. And they will risk the hazard of calling them for frivolous means.

 

Stay firm. Make no impression that you will discontinue a perfectly legal first amendment privilege. (This is more important than you may think.)

 

 

You are safe. Continue using the VPN. Disregard threats made by idiots. And for the record, anyone who says that using a VPN is criminal is a total, card carrying idiot savant.

[Skiddie 2]

I think most schools ban the use of VPNs and proxys but don't really enforce it.

 

Also if you use port 443 it will look like normal encrypted traffic and technically if they check where the packets are going they could tell your using a VPN but I doubt they would have a investigation on random encrypted traffic.

 

As for illegal I didn't research it but I seriously doubt they are going to take you to court over that. Also if your in high school I don't think a judge is gonna make you pay loads of money ect. when your > 18

[OpenSourcerer 1359]

Also if you use port 443 it will look like normal encrypted traffic

 

TCP/443 will look like normal encrypted traffic, because it's the HTTPS port. UDP/443 is not normal encrypted traffic. Instead, I'd use UDP/53 which is a DNS port.

[garmiste 2]

As a public school teacher I have had this discussion with our IT people about this. First, using a VPN or SSH tunnel or any tool that gets you around filters does not interfere or affect the school's network. The only thing that MIGHT come close to that is if you have some sort of file folder on the network and you're intentionally downloading infected files to that network folder. Even then they'd have to prove malicious intent (at least for a criminal suit) and that's a little tricky. Yeah, they could get nasty and bring a civil suit (easier to win), but at that point you've said "Oops, sorry," and they're getting bad publicity. If you put VPN software on their computers that enabled a virus to bypass their firewall they MIGHT be able to find enough grounds for a civil suit IF it did some damage, but even that's a stretch. The worst they should be able to do is bump you off WIFI (still a problem for schoolwork) and that's usually IF they clearly explained that VPNs or proxys are against school policy. You probably signed something at the beginning of the year about network use and they need to clearly state that in any notice like that. If it's not there or you didn't have to sign anything, you should be free and clear.

 

 

I also see the occasional need for this. In one school I needed to look up the lyrics for the Wessex Carol and got blocked because of "sex" in "Wessex." Yeah, pretty stupid. Still, be careful. Use your own laptop or use a small version of Linux on a USB stick if you must use a school computer.
 

[cm0s 118]

it all depends on the school themself tbh

plus the state and county they are in

 

technically any time ya reroute traffic over someone else's local

well there ya go, whether good or bad etc

ya modified their local

[Guest]

You probably signed something at the beginning of the year about network use and they need to clearly state that in any notice like that. If it's not there or you didn't have to sign anything, you should be free and clear.

 

I'm sorry but Schools in the US have you sign contracts on network use?

[SumRndmDude 22]

 

You probably signed something at the beginning of the year about network use and they need to clearly state that in any notice like that. If it's not there or you didn't have to sign anything, you should be free and clear.

 

I'm sorry but Schools in the US have you sign contracts on network use?

 

Usually something to the extent of not using it for illegal purpose (e.g. stalking, cp, piracy) or data caps for those who download gigs of information for personal reasons. Covers the school if someone is caught using the network to commit crimes.

[garmiste 2]

 

You probably signed something at the beginning of the year about network use and they need to clearly state that in any notice like that. If it's not there or you didn't have to sign anything, you should be free and clear.

 

I'm sorry but Schools in the US have you sign contracts on network use?

 

Just about every school K-12 as well as universities have you sign something saying you won't use their network for anything illegal like sharing copyrighted materials or downloading pornography. Universities usually tell you you're not supposed to use your email for spam. For lower grades parents usually have to sign as well saying they won't hold the school responsible if their child accidentally views inappropriate materials. There may even be some sort of anti-cyberbullying policy. I've been out of public education Stateside, but I don't think this has changed much.

[Guest]

 

 

You probably signed something at the beginning of the year about network use and they need to clearly state that in any notice like that. If it's not there or you didn't have to sign anything, you should be free and clear.

 

I'm sorry but Schools in the US have you sign contracts on network use?

 

Usually something to the extent of not using it for illegal purpose (e.g. stalking, cp, piracy) or data caps for those who download gigs of information for personal reasons. Covers the school if someone is caught using the network to commit crimes.

 

 

You probably signed something at the beginning of the year about network use and they need to clearly state that in any notice like that. If it's not there or you didn't have to sign anything, you should be free and clear.

 

I'm sorry but Schools in the US have you sign contracts on network use?

 

Just about every school K-12 as well as universities have you sign something saying you won't use their network for anything illegal like sharing copyrighted materials or downloading pornography. Universities usually tell you you're not supposed to use your email for spam. For lower grades parents usually have to sign as well saying they won't hold the school responsible if their child accidentally views inappropriate materials. There may even be some sort of anti-cyberbullying policy. I've been out of public education Stateside, but I don't think this has changed much.

 

 

I see, I'm gonna assume that it's an american thing since that doesn't happen here nobody cares if someone sees inappropriate materials for example we got books at school librarys for kids at the age of 8 can read everything about sex in a lot of detail and of course since kids book illustrations as well

[mehāniskākaravīrs935 24]

Please note that this is not my school district, but to protect my location and identity i found one that is similar. This is a school district's "Acceptable Use" agreement that by logging on to the network, students automatically must comply with:

 

 

"Prior to a student being allowed access to the Internet, the students and the student's parent or guardian are required to sign a Network/Internet Acceptable Use Agreement as provided below.

Network/Internet Acceptable Use Agreement

The District uses computers to support learning and to enhance instruction. Computer networks in the schools allow students and staff to interact with many computers. The Internet, a network of networks, allows people to interact with hundreds of thousands of networks and computers. Internet access is now available to designated students in the District. This resource offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to students that will allow them to communicate with people from around the world, visit electronic libraries, perform research on a variety of subjects, and participate in special projects with students from all points on the globe. The goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. This technology will benefit all students as they prepare for work in a global marketplace.

The student is expected to follow all guidelines stated below, as well as those given orally by the appropriate staff, and to demonstrate ethical behavior that is of the highest order in using the network facilities at the school.
 

1. Acceptable Use
   
   The purpose of the Internet is to facilitate communications in support of research and education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of the student's account must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the District. Use of other organizations' networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or State regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for product advertisement is also prohibited.
    
2. Privileges
   
   The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The District-wide network system administrator will be the supervisor of distributive and user support systems. In addition, the principal will appoint a staff member to act as the school's network system administrator. Students may not allow others to use their account name or their password. Violation of this rule could jeopardize access to the Internet and students who violate this rule will immediately lose all network and computer access. The school's network system administrator will deem what is inappropriate use and the decision will be final. Also, the school's network system administrator may close or restrict an account at any time as required. The administration and staff of the District or the school may also request the District-wide network system administrator or the school's network system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user access.
    
3. Network Etiquette
   
   Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to the following:
   1. Do not reveal personal address, phone numbers, or other personal information of yourself or classmates.
       
   2. Be polite. Do not get abusive in messages to others.
       
   3. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language.
       
   4. Do not access inappropriate material or engage in activities that are prohibited under local, State, or Federal law or School Board policy.
       
   5. Users should have no expectation of privacy in any communication sent or received by e-mail, or in regard to the Internet or network access. This also applies to e-mail or other documents that are archived or otherwise recoverable.
       
   6. Do not use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
       
   7. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
       
4. Services
   1. The District will not be responsible for any charges related to fee for service access to on-line resources or services incurred by account holders without prior written approval being received from the District.
       
   2. The District makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or errors or omissions including any and all viruses. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the student's own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
       
5. Security
   
   Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If the student can identify a security problem, the student must notify the school's network system administrator or the District-wide network system administrator and should not demonstrate the problem to other users. Attempts to logon to the Internet as a network system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Internet.
    
6. Vandalism
   
   Vandalism will result in cancellation of Internet privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the District. This includes, but is not limited to the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
    

The student shall be required to sign a statement indicating that: "I understand and will abide by the Network and Internet Use Agreement. I further understand that any violation of the regulations stated is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked and school disciplinary and appropriate legal action may be taken."

The parent or guardian shall be required to sign a statement indicating that: "As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Network and Internet Use Agreement. I understand that my child's access is designed for educational purposes. I recognize it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all controversial or offensive materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for the supervision, if any, when my child's use is not in a school setting. I have read and understand the information in this agreement and hereby give my permission for my child to use the Internet for classroom curriculum projects."

Additional Internet Safety Measures

In order to provide additional safety measures for students in their use of District computers, and to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), 66 Fed. Reg. 19394 (April 16, 2001), the following steps shall be undertaken:
 

1. The District shall utilize technology protection measures, (including Internet filtering or blocking software), to prevent access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or otherwise harmful to minors.
    
2. Teachers, media specialists, and other school personnel shall monitor the on-line and other computer use of students to:
   1. prevent students from gaining access to inappropriate or harmful material, as determined by school administration considering school curriculum, the Code of Student Conduct, other Board policies, and local, State, and Federal laws and regulations;
       
   2. oversee issues of safety in students' use of e-mail, chat rooms, and other types of electronic communication;
       
   3. prevent students from engaging in unauthorized or unlawful on-line activities, including hacking;
       
   4. prevent students from making unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal information; and
       
   5. otherwise monitor and enforce compliance with the Acceptable Use Agreement.
       

F.S. 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43, 1001.51
H.R. 4577, P.L. 106-554, Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000
47 U.S.C. 254(h),(1), Communications Act of 1934, as amended
20 U.S.C. 6801 et seq., Part F, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended
18 U.S.C. 2256
18 U.S.C. 1460
18 U.S.C. 2246"

[mehāniskākaravīrs935 24]

Also, i only use my iPhone to bypass filters at my school. There are a few rare times where i will use an SSH tunnel to a non-airvpn server just to act as a proxy for a web browser. often times this is not needed as i don't like taking risks with any monitoring software that may be unknowingly installed onto their machines.

[mehāniskākaravīrs935 24]

'Eff that school, and especially the retards attending it. You broke no law, especially not a felony, and so long as the rest of your conduct is appropriate, consider challenging them. They can call the police. And they will risk the hazard of calling them for frivolous means.

 

Stay firm. Make no impression that you will discontinue a perfectly legal first amendment privilege. (This is more important than you may think.)

 

 

You are safe. Continue using the VPN. Disregard threats made by idiots. And for the record, anyone who says that using a VPN is criminal is a total, card carrying idiot savant.

lol. This kid in one of my classes supposedly works as a Teachers Assistant with the head of the IT department. He told me that using the network can get me a felony in prison for tampering with a Government networks since schools are owned and operated by state and local governments here in the United States. He also said they were tracking down VPN users to the specific classroom router and somehow using ping to determine our location in the classroom and then we could be brought up with charges. Although what he said troubled me, i pretty much laughed in the kids face and told him that if he and the IT department wanted to put me behind bars for protecting my privacy, they knew where to fucking find me.

[Guest]

 

'Eff that school, and especially the retards attending it. You broke no law, especially not a felony, and so long as the rest of your conduct is appropriate, consider challenging them. They can call the police. And they will risk the hazard of calling them for frivolous means.

 

Stay firm. Make no impression that you will discontinue a perfectly legal first amendment privilege. (This is more important than you may think.)

 

 

You are safe. Continue using the VPN. Disregard threats made by idiots. And for the record, anyone who says that using a VPN is criminal is a total, card carrying idiot savant.

lol. This kid in one of my classes supposedly works as a Teachers Assistant with the head of the IT department. He told me that using the network can get me a felony in prison for tampering with a Government networks since schools are owned and operated by state and local governments here in the United States. He also said they were tracking down VPN users to the specific classroom router and somehow using ping to determine our location in the classroom and then we could be brought up with charges. Although what he said troubled me, i pretty much laughed in the kids face and told him that if he and the IT department wanted to put me behind bars for protecting my privacy, they knew where to fucking find me.

 

Lol ping you to determine location that is quite rich, it's not an impossibility but a school don't have the equipment to do so

[OmniNegro 155]

The best they could actually do is ping you to see if you are even in the school. And it is quite possible this would fail too.

[mehāniskākaravīrs935 24]

Does anyone think that the use of VPN's conflicts with the internet use policy i specified earlier?

[User of AirVPN 46]

Of course not! After all, using a VPN does not tamper with the network. I also go to school in the United States, and regularly use AirVPN on the school network. Nothing has happened to me while doing it.

 

Even if it was illegal, they wouldn't be able to know that YOU are using the VPN, they'd just see that someone is using a VPN.

 

Some schools have rules against installing software (OpenVPN, Eddie) on school-owned computers, but if you have your own personal device (Phone, tablet, Laptop, etc) then it's perfectly fine.

[hackers2016 13]

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OP dont let your classmates try to bully you.

Tell them that you believe them and that you will stop doing it and then just keep using it.

 

​I agree with you. You respect your privacy they don't, but it is a good idea to try to open their eyes just don't push them to hard.

​Try to explain to them bit by bit that spying on you is a bad thing, that everything that passes trough any server has been duplicated and so on you are using VPN for a reason, right. Just speak of your heard. We've been programmed with generations don't expect overnight change, but it will change, if we help each other.

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[jonnymoon96 4]

it is against the contract you have signed

[LZ1 662]

Hello !

 

Maybe they meant you shouldn't be interfering with the national network, hereby also school networks, of surveillance