Are proxies illegal?

[DarkPacMan77]

I have read the rules on this site, and I have used proxies before, but didn't think they were illegal, I just thought they were useful. Under rule 9 of the forums, there is no talk about illegal things and proxies falls under that list.

Thx

BTW, please keep in mind that I am only asking about, not asking for, or asking advice as to how to operate it, so I do not think it is against the rules.

[doctorgonzo]

Like most software (and most everything else), proxies have legitimate and illegitimate uses. For the most part, proxies are legitimate ways to protect an internal network from the outside, monitor internet access, provide website caching, and so forth. These are all legal uses and if you have questions on setting up a proxy to do this, that's an okay question.

If, however, your employer has a proxy that is preventing you from getting to some website you want, you can't ask us how to get around it. That's what Rule 9 means.

[DarkPacMan77]

Ok, i understand that. I have used a proxy on my school's network before, but it is so locked down that you can't get on google even.

Thank you for the clarification, I was thinking that it wasn't illegal. It really isn't "illegal" per se is it? (if you use it on a school or business to bypass something)

[HAL9000]

Not illegal in the sense that you would get in trouble with the law, but used to bypass security at school could be grounds to be suspended, used at work could be grounds to be fired.

[doctorgonzo]

If you are asking if it is illegal for a school or a business to use proxy software, no it is not. It is their network, they can put what they want on it.

If you are asking if it is illegal for a user to bypass a proxy, then it probably isn't "illegal" in the sense you are breaking laws, but it is almost certainly against the policy of the owner of the network, and you could get in trouble for it (lose your computer privileges at school, get fired from your job, etc.) That's why we can't help people get around them.

[DarkPacMan77]

thanks. I was thinking that it wasn't illegal.

i understand that it is their network and that they can protect it how they want.

i guess I don't understand why talk of proxies can not take place on this forum in FULL... but perhaps that is not my place to place an opinion.

[doctorgonzo]

Talk of proxies are certainly allowed...the only thing that isn't allowed are discussions about how to get around them.

[jimmyrules712]

thanks. I was thinking that it wasn't illegal.

i understand that it is their network and that they can protect it how they want.

i guess I don't understand why talk of proxies can not take place on this forum in FULL... but perhaps that is not my place to place an opinion.

Because PCMech doesn't want to be held responsible or given a bad image if someone gets info that they then use in a bad way. We are then less likely to be mentioned refered to as a good PC resource by magazines and websites who do not like to refer websites known to help people do disruptive things.

for exmaple, would PCWorld magazine be likely to recomend it's readers use the website "howtohackanetwork.com"...I doubt it. Would they mention PCmech as a good resource for tech info? yes, because we have a good image right now.