Today I found a new coffee shop to work from – YAY! However, tomorrow that may be a different story. New ideas, possible rules and restrictions could force this shop to turn off their systems. Maybe any type of Public WiFi or WiMAX could also be in danger. Why? Regulation.
A few days ago there was an article about a Bill was introduced to require Internet Service Providers (ISP) to retain data transfer transaction records for 2 years. What that would mean is your local ISP will have to create a department for simply retaining 2 years worth of logs. While your log could be very miniscule, adding that to thousands – or even millions of users – can make this a daunting task. Hopefully there is no data corruption.
It’s on good intention – to look for those that transfer child pornography. There are over 600,000 images found and reported on the Internet – as identified by Texas Rep. Lamar Smith. This bill would then help to possibly locate the up loader and maybe even save the child – especially if the up loader is say – a parent.
Here is where it gets difficult. If you go into your favorite coffee shop to get your email – this coffee shop is acting like an ISP for you. Whether they offer paid or free access, it doesn’t matter. They would also have to keep a log of use.
Wi-Fi is a convenience. An establishment offers it as an added bonus for your laptop, iPhone or other device. If they are turned into a police action, then maybe establishments might think twice about setting up the device.
Now lets put this on a bigger scale – WiMAX or Public WiFi. Cities are implementing a cross – city WiFi so wherever you go, you can get Internet access. While this logging is pretty easy to set up and start, it might be a weighing factor in a city to implement this process.
Rules should be set up to protect the establishment. I have walked into coffee shops, got on their Wi-Fi and not only accessed their settings, saw the other computers on the network, accessed cash register data and a lot more. Don’t worry: I tell the establishment and give them options to close off their systems. Usually at that time I find out that an employee set up the Wi-Fi. Routers are cheap and easy to set up.
In the end, the hassle may be more weighing than the advantage. All it takes is one instance to turn it into a major focus of a city, state or even country. And while this Bill helps in the US, any ISP outside the country won’t have that requirement . After all, where are those 600,000 reported instances originating from?