Re: Encryption is now illegal? (Re: U.S. Secret Service shuts down NYC cellular disruption network)

[Tom Beecher via NANOG <nanog () lists nanog org>]

"illegal" and "unlawful" mean the same thing : an act that is in violation
of a statute. The statute that is violated can be either criminal or civil.

It is a common misconception that 'illegal' only means a criminal
violation. For example :

- It is illegal to exceed the speed limit while driving. This is a civil
violation.
- It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of
alcohol. This is a criminal violation.

You can s/illegal/unlawful/ in the previous two sentences and they mean
exactly the same thing.

On Wed, Sep 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM William Herrin via NANOG <
nanog () lists nanog org> wrote:

> On Wed, Sep 24, 2025 at 10:25 AM Jay Acuna via NANOG
> <nanog () lists nanog org> wrote:
> > Breaking Terms of Service you agreed to is Illegal.
> > That is called a breach of contract, which is an illegal action or
> inaction.
>
> Hi Jay,
>
> I have to pick a nit here:
>
> Illegal = something expressly forbidden by statute. Usually criminal.
> You could go to jail.
>
> Unlawful = inconsistent with the law. You could be sued over it but
> unless it's also illegal there is no future where you go to jail as a
> result.
>
> Breaching a contract may be unlawful but it is almost never illegal.
>
> Regards,
> Bill Herrin
>
>
> --
> William Herrin
> bill () herrin us
> https://bill.herrin.us/
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>
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