(November 27, 2009)
In a case believed to be the first of its kind, a UK pub has been fined GBP 8,000 (US $13,000) because someone used its Wi-Fi hotspot to
download copyrighted content. If the UK's Digital Economy Bill goes into effect, similar cases could conceivably be prevented. That bill defines Wi-Fi hotspots as "public communications services," and says that users are responsible for the activity on the connection, not the connection's provider. The bill is proving controversial, as it would require Internet service providers (ISPs) to monitor customers' use of their networks.
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,39909136,00.htm?tag=mncol;txt
http://www.eweekeurope.co.uk/news/wi-fi-security--home-nets-are-wide-open--pub-gets--8000-fine-2613
http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/news/2254180/pub-fined-customer-uses-wi
[Editor's Note (Pescatore): Could you fine the pub if someone used a payphone in the pub (OK, just pretend for a second that payphones still
exist) to make a threatening phone call?
(Schultz): This case is the first of its kind only in that it involves an undefended wireless network. It is not novel from the standpoint that it in effect amounts to another downstream liability case.
(Northcutt): It is neat being at SANS London 2009 and seeing a NewsBites edition with so much UK information. This story about the pub being sued
is really important. It has the potential of drastically limiting the number of open hot spots. Infosec professionals on both sides of the pond in organizations that offer or allow free hotspots should take notice and bring it up with corporate counsel.]
exist) to make a threatening phone call?
(Schultz): This case is the first of its kind only in that it involves an undefended wireless network. It is not novel from the standpoint that it in effect amounts to another downstream liability case.
(Northcutt): It is neat being at SANS London 2009 and seeing a NewsBites edition with so much UK information. This story about the pub being sued
is really important. It has the potential of drastically limiting the number of open hot spots. Infosec professionals on both sides of the pond in organizations that offer or allow free hotspots should take notice and bring it up with corporate counsel.]
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