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EFF: Open Wi-Fi and Copyright: A Primer for Network Operators (Whitepaper)

TORPC
Grafter
Posts: 5,163
Registered: ‎08-12-2013

EFF: Open Wi-Fi and Copyright: A Primer for Network Operators (Whitepaper)

[quote= https://www.eff.org/wp/open-wi-fi-and-copyright-primer-network-operators]At EFF, we are big fans of open wireless. But we also know that operators of open networks sometimes worry that they could be legally responsible if people use their networks to engage in copyright infringement. We've put together a short white paper that generally explains the scope and limits of operator liability for the acts of users, and additional steps network operators may choose to take to further limit their legal risk. As we explain in the paper, copyright liability for the acts of your users is less likely than you might think, as long as you (1) simply provide a means of transmission; and (2) act reasonably and responsibly.
To be clear, this paper does not offer legal advice specific to the situation of any operator. If you want such advice, we urge you to consult an attorney. But we hope it does help dispel some of the myths about copyright and open Wi-Fi.
[quote= https://openwireless.org/]Imagine a future with ubiquitous open Internet.
We envision a world where, in any urban environment:
Dozens of open networks are available at your fingertips.
Tablets, watches, and other new devices can automatically join these networks to do nifty things.
The societal expectation is one of sharing, and, as a result, wireless Internet is more efficient.
The false notion that an IP address could be used as a sole identifier is finally a thing of the past, creating a privacy-enhancing norm of shared networks.
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tonycollinet
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Re: EFF: Open Wi-Fi and Copyright: A Primer for Network Operators (Whitepaper)

Bear in mind, both articles are US centric, and any comments on legality or otherwise may well have no relevance over here.
TORPC
Grafter
Posts: 5,163
Registered: ‎08-12-2013

Re: EFF: Open Wi-Fi and Copyright: A Primer for Network Operators (Whitepaper)

Yes that's true
However, if it proves a success, then it could possibly be adopted over here ?Huh
ejs
Aspiring Hero
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Re: EFF: Open Wi-Fi and Copyright: A Primer for Network Operators (Whitepaper)

What would be adopted over here? Free open wifi everywhere, or running an open wireless network as a cast-iron defence so that if you receive any nasty copyright infringement letters, you can just tell them that they can't prove it was you who did it?
Opening your wireless network up to anyone would probably be in violation of:
Quote from: http
16. You may only use the service for your own personal use and enjoyment.

and
Quote from: http
3.3 You must not use the service or allow the service to be used:
1. in any way which breaks any law or the conditions of any licence or rights of others;

TORPC
Grafter
Posts: 5,163
Registered: ‎08-12-2013

Re: EFF: Open Wi-Fi and Copyright: A Primer for Network Operators (Whitepaper)

Wink Would / Could are 2 different words / meanings  Wink
As you quite rightly point out, which is the current status of play
In the future there is a possibility / potential of change,
There are a few threads that, that broached the subject of having open WiFi like BT's flavour
That said with https://openwireless.org/ passers by would not need your SSID etc as they would have their own (as it would be dedicated for the task, & not relied on by an individual to setup / snoop monitor what you surf, also if they have not a clue how to properly set it up)
Thus eliminating the need for a cheeky geeky neighbour or someone in a parked car, hacking into your own WiFi's SSID etc
I think it would also be more secure than the free WiFi in your local town, cyber cafe etc
However
That said
Will let it be tested across the globe, to iron out any kinks Smiley
ejs
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Re: EFF: Open Wi-Fi and Copyright: A Primer for Network Operators (Whitepaper)

I thought the idea of the openwireless.org SSID is that each network is set up by an individual enabling an additional SSID on their own router. Anything done over an unencrypted wireless network can be seen by everyone else, anything done over wireless secured using a pre-shared key can be seen by everyone else who knows the key, it wouldn't be any more secure than any other public wireless hotspot, you'd still need to do anything you don't want to be seen be anyone else over HTTPS / SSL or VPN.