UK Government Set To Kill Wi-Fi Hotspots

Keltik THC · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:17

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1594048/uk-kill-internet-cafes

We all know this doesn’t have much to do with copyright infringement and has a lot more to do with taking power of the internet away from the people.

I wonder how much more will have to happen before Joe Public decides that enough is enough and takes a stand against our corrupt and authoritarian government?

I quite enjoyed using wifi on my phone for free down in my local, or haveing the odd game of online poker with freinds.

How much more must us Brits take before we can take no more?

Delvis · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:18

Surely it's upto whoever is distrubuting the WI-Fi link whether or not they close it down? =/

platypus · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:21

Despite the apparent curb on liberties to use a free provided service, I actually think it's a good thing; until people as a whole are able to securely use wireless.

-BA- · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:24

platypus said:
Despite the apparent curb on liberties to use a free provided service, I actually think it's a good thing; until people as a whole are able to securely use wireless.

This I do agree with. I saw a recent article on the tech programme of BBC news that showed just how easy it was for hackers to steal personal data just sitting in a coffee shop.

Seriously disturbing...

Edit - Sorry it was Watchdog

GJ02 · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:25

good idea, even tho its also a bad thing, if that makes sense

Firestar_3x · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:27

I'm sure this is step 11 in the pocket dictator's handbook

Keltik THC · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:32

-BA- said:
This I do agree with. I saw a recent article on the tech programme of BBC news that showed just how easy it was for hackers to steal personal data just sitting in a coffee shop.

Seriously disturbing...

So because some people don't store their data securely, responsible people like us must suffer?

I say that if your data isn’t secure and its readily available then you get what you deserve.

As i said before, this hasnt to do with copywright nor does it have to do with the Government being worried about you getting hacked.

apatia77 · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:32

What a stupid idea. Soon we'll see people getting fined for having their wi-fi open, more money to be made!

EDIT; what about all the pay as you go internet dongles etc, there are way too many ways of accessing the internet nowadays anyway.

platinum87 · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:34

i use BT3, problem is everyone is going from WEP to WPA

Deleted User 234324 · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:34

I think the whole digital rights bill is a complete joke, its something old people who havent a clue about modern society are trying to dictate what we do because someone somewhere has a small problem with it.

Its like freedom of speach... it doesnt exist anymore.

Cosimo · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:36

The security aspect makes sense but then again how many hackers sitting around you are trying to steal your data. Personally I don’t trust anyone around me on an unsecured wireless network.

Strife212 · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:39

platypus said:
Despite the apparent curb on liberties to use a free provided service, I actually think it's a good thing; until people as a whole are able to securely use wireless.

How can anyone agree with this?

Lord Young, a minister at BIS said libraries and universities could not be exempted because "this would send entirely the wrong signal and could lead to 'fake' organisations being set up, claiming an exemption and becoming a hub for copyright infringement".

bam0 · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:43

platypus said:
Despite the apparent curb on liberties to use a free provided service, I actually think it's a good thing; until people as a whole are able to securely use wireless.

Eh? This is nothing to do with securing the data of people on a wireless network. If rather than just sitting down and connecting to the open network you have to get the key by buying a coffee first you'll still be able to see everyone else's data.
Even if it was as you thought it's still not a good thing to create a law banning something to stop some people being stupid.

Delvis · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:44

Strife212 said:
How can anyone agree with this?

Care to elaborate? It's no different than someone sitting at home leaving their wi-fi link unsecure.

Strife212 · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:46

I actually didn't mean to quote you haha o_o Meant the post below you.

But it is different anyway because the unsecure points offered at say a library are unsecured on purpose, because they are for the public to use. What difference would it make if it was secured then everyone was given the key?

antijoke · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:49

Networks should be secured and each user should have to request a key. It really isn't a hard thing to set-up and administer.

Iraklis F.C. · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:49

some people just dont read history , it is going to FAIL big time just like all attempts in the past . Prime example , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prohibition_in_the_United_States

bam0 · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:56

anticonscience said:
Networks should be secured and each user should have to request a key. It really isn't a hard thing to set-up and administer.

Why? If you just want to offer access why should it require a key?

Delvis · 1 Mar 2010 at 12:56

Strife212 said:
I actually didn't mean to quote you haha o_o Meant the post below you.

But it is different anyway because the unsecure points offered at say a library are unsecured on purpose, because they are for the public to use. What difference would it make if it was secured then everyone was given the key?

Ah okay my bad

Meh, they can change the keys anyway routinely...lots of places do

Haggisman · 1 Mar 2010 at 13:19

anticonscience said:
Networks should be secured and each user should have to request a key. It really isn't a hard thing to set-up and administer.

Except due to another piece of new legislation, the cafe/library/etc would then effectively be an ISP and have to keep logs of the details of everyone using it... can you really see that happening?

"Hi can I have a coffee please?"
"Of course sir, would you like to use our wi-fi facility"
"Yes please"
"Ok, before I give you the access key I just need you to fill in this form with your name, address, phone number, date of birth, and I'll need to see some photographic ID with proof of address"
"Actually forget it..."