On 1 May 2012 10:06, geni <geniice@gmail.com> 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