Protect your Wi-Fi or else!

May 16 2010

Protect your Wi-Fi or else!

Posted by Jason Foster in Finance Online

Experts in the field of broadband have warned UK consumers of the growing threat of potential fines for using unsecured Wi-Fi links. A recent case in Germany saw a broadband user fined because a third-party had piggybacked their unsecured Wi-Fi link and downloaded music in a manner which was illegal. So what does this mean for UK broadband users?

If the Digital Economy Act, which was pushed through by the UK government in its final days, makes it onto the statute book (which appears almost inevitable) we could see similar instances in the UK regarding unsecured Internet access. There are growing concerns about the powers which have been passed to various government departments and law bodies in the UK which could result in “innocent” users heavily fined and potentially banned from the Internet.

While there is no doubt that illegal downloading of copyrighted material is still a major problem on the Internet, despite various initiatives by the previous government, many believe the authorities are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Dragging “innocent” parties through the courts because they failed to secure their Wi-Fi connection may seem draconian but ultimately it will teach many people a lesson they will never forget. We all need to learn to secure our broadband connections and ensure that no illegal activity can be done “under our names”.

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