Recreational logging and mapping of other people’s access points have become known as wardriving. Indeed, many access points are intentionally installed without security turned on so that they can be used as a free service. Providing access to one’s Internet connection in this fashion may breach the Terms of Service or contract with the ISP. These activities do not result in sanctions in most jurisdictions; however, legislation and case law differ considerably across the world. A proposal to leave graffiti describing available services was called warchalking.
Early research showed how gender could impact the use of computers, and that many technologies were male-oriented.It also shows that more men have access to broadband connections and therefore more men use wireless high-speed connections. In later research this divide has gone down however, and even shows that a higher percentage of women are online than men. A reason that the digital divide has gone down based on gender, is argued to be the growing access to Wi-Fi and therefore, the internet.
With regards to the digital divide based on ethnicity, research suggests that Hispanics and Blacks are less likely to be online or own a computer. A study conducted by Horrigan in 2007 also found that 67 percent of the users using a wireless connection to access the internet were White, 12 percent were Black and 14 percent were Hispanic. On the other hand, it can seem like the digital divide based on ethnicity is growing smaller. Hispanics who already have online access are adopting new technology at a higher rate than the general population. Blacks are also adopting broadband technology rapidly and increasing their use of the internet.
Over half the world does not have access to the internet, prominently rural areas in developing nations. Technology that has been implemented in more developed nations is often costly and low energy efficient. This has led to developing nations using more low-tech networks, frequently implementing renewable power sources that can solely be maintained through solar power, creating a network that is resistant to disruptions such as power outages. For instance, in 2007 a 450 km network between Cabo Pantoja and Iquitos in Peru was erected in which all equipment is powered only by solar panels.
