Most people think breaking the law involves something dramatic. Fraud. Theft. A high-profile court case with headlines and flashing cameras.
But sometimes, you can be on the wrong side of the law without even knowing it. No bad intent. No harm done. Just everyday habits that quietly cross the line.
Here are a few surprisingly common things many people do, without realising they might not be so legal after all.
Sharing your Netflix password
Yes, seriously.
In some countries, sharing your login with friends or family could count as unauthorised access under anti-piracy or computer misuse laws. It sounds harmless enough, but regulators in places like the US and UK have flagged it as potentially illegal.
Legal takeaway: Sharing is caring… until it’s not.
Reposting someone’s photo or using random images from Google
It seems harmless. You see a beautiful photo online and think, “This would look great in my presentation or on my social media feed.” So you download it or take a quick screenshot and share it.
The problem? Most of those images are protected by copyright. Just because something is online doesn’t mean it’s free to use. Reposting without permission can count as copyright infringement.
Legal takeaway: If it’s not yours, don’t assume you can use it. Always ask, or use images that are clearly marked for reuse.
Recording a conversation without telling the other person
It depends on where you are. In some places, like Singapore, as long as you’re part of the conversation, you’re allowed to record it. But in others, like many US states, everyone involved needs to agree.
The difference between a legal recording and a criminal offence could come down to who knew you were hitting “record.”
Legal takeaway: Know your local rules. Consent isn’t just polite…it’s often required.
Forwarding emails with confidential information
Even within your own company. If you forward an email that contains personal data, financial details, or privileged communication to someone who shouldn’t see it, especially outside the company, you could be in breach of privacy laws like GDPR or PDPA. And yes, that includes “just helping out a colleague.”
Legal takeaway: Think before you click Forward. Sensitive info should stay where it belongs.
Running an online business from home without declaring it
Selling cookies on Instagram? Many people sell baked goods, crafts, or services from home. But in some countries (including Vietnam), running a home-based business without registering it can breach business licensing or tax laws…even if it’s a side hustle.
Legal takeaway: If you’re making money, chances are the law wants to know.
Posting screenshots of private conversations
It happens more than you think…someone sends a rude message or says something outrageous, and the instinct is to screenshot and share it.
Even if you’re trying to make a point or tell a story, publicly sharing screenshots of private messages without consent could violate privacy laws or even defamation rules, depending on context and jurisdiction.
Legal takeaway: Think twice before going public. The internet never forgets.
Connecting to someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission
Even if it’s unsecured, using a neighbor’s Wi-Fi without asking can be considered unauthorized access under cybercrime laws in many countries.
Legal takeaway: Just because it’s open, doesn’t mean it’s okay.
So what’s the real lesson here?
Sometimes it’s the small stuff, seemingly harmless habits, everyday decisions that can trip people up.
As lawyers, we spend most of our time on complex commercial disputes and heavy legal strategy. But every now and then, it helps to zoom out and remember that the law touches every corner of life. Yes, even your Netflix password sharing habits.
Sincerely,
