Legal

Don't offer the general public free WiFi. NEVER share your WiFi connection unless you are aware of the law and the penalties for not following it. WiFi Foundation have gone to great lengths to ensure our legal compliance. If you’re considering offering Free Wifi to your customers you should consider reading these and speaking with a solicitor.

The Data Retention (EC Directive) Regulations 2009
Retain key statistics for 12 months. Who used the service and when?
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/859/contents/made
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7985339.stm

Data Protection Act 1998
If you retain people’s details, make sure you do it legally.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/contents
http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/data_protection.aspx

Digital Economy Act 2010
Prove it was a customer that was doing something illegal – if you can’t you will have to take the flack personally.
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/24/contents
http://thenextweb.com/uk/2010/06/16/why-you-offer-free-wifi-in-the-uk-at-your-own-risk/

The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2004
If you send marketing information to individual’s email addresses – make sure you have their permission!
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2004/1039/contents/made
http://www.startups.co.uk/the-privacy-and-electronic-communications-act.html

Pub 'fined £8k' for Wi-Fi copyright infringement
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2009/11/27/pub-fined-8k-for-wi-fi-copyright-infringement-39909136/

Brits could face unsecured WiFi Fine
http://www.eweekeurope.co.uk/news/brits-could-face-unsecured-wi-fi-fine-7126

An Open Letter from Faegre & Benson Legal Advice for The Cloud
View PDF

A Press Release for Walkin Wifi
View/Download Document

Illegal File Sharing and the UK Law Press Release by Polka Spots
View PDF

WiFi Foundation Legals
Hotspot Providers: http://www.wififoundation.org/terms-and-conditions/
End Users: http://gateway.wififoundation.org/terms-and-conditions/