Public WiFI: Legal and Security Implications

If you’re considering whether to offer public WiFi then there are some serious issues that you’ll need to take into account. Read more here

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Data Retention

One of the major legal implications of offering WiFi publicly is that data is required to be retained as part of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act of 2001. Read more detail about that here.

Some types of data that legally have to be stored are: Data that can be used to identify users in addition to traffic data and location data so that the source of a communication can be traced if necessary.

 

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Law Enforcement requests for information

Did you know that the Police can ask to access communication data with a valid court order? This is to enable intelligence and law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes. This forms part of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act of 2000 (RIPA). Read more about that here.

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Data Protection Act 1998

Law enforcement agencies can also ask for access to personal information of any internet use as part of the Data Protection Act of 1998. Not making data available for inspection can lead to being fined by the Information Commissioner. Read more on the Data Protection Act by clicking here.

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Copyright Infringement and Illegal Downloads and Sharing

Another legal area that should be considered is the Digital Economy Act of 2010. This Act is to support copyright owners who are looking to identify and take action against illegal download activity of copyrighted material. Since June 2010 it has been mandatory for all end-user records to be retained for those who are seeing retribution. More information on this act can be found here.

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Some WiFi service providers make it possible to intercept service in order to block viruses and block content. It’s also possible to filter other content that will prevent malware from being downloaded.
 
Keeping abreast of internet related requirements is part of our job. If you need to know more, feel free to contact us for a no obligation chat.

 

Gregory Olczyk

Gregory Olczyk