On 1 May 2012 10:06, geni <[email protected]> wrote:

> On 30 April 2012 22:56, Roger Bamkin <[email protected]>
> wrote:
> > Hi guys,
> >
> > I'm interested in wifis. We have some concerns about the legalities of
> > allowing anonymous users to use a free wifi system without giving their
> > email addresses or agreeing to terms and conditions. Can't tell you
> where -
> > but you might guess
> >
> > Does anyone...
> >
> > Know what the legal position is and any important guidelines that may
> apply?
>
> Computer Misuse Act 1990 and the ISP's terms of service are the most
> obvious.
>

Talk to a lawyer, that's the best advice.

The misuse of open access points is not well tried in law - but you are
certainly responsible for its use. You may also be required to log certain
information about the users (which I believe is the main reason most ask
for an email address).

And as Geni mentions, sometimes the ISP you are using mandates certain
things - such as protected Wifi. So you need to review that carefully.

More than anything it depends on the context; if you are talking about a
small endeavour at, say, a meeting venue you're probably alright using an
ad-hoc setup. But if you are talking an entirely public network then things
are more complex.

To be honest; once you are at that level you should be talking to a
professional company anyway, as supplying Wifi of that sort is a
non-trivial technical exercise. And they will know exactly what is required.

But; ask someone with relevant legal expertise.

Tom
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