Pub fined after customer uses Wi-Fi connection illegally

Businesses need to ensure wireless networks are legal

The legal problems of running a public Wi-Fi hotspot have emerged again after a pub was fined thousands of pounds because a customer used its network to download copyrighted content.

Graham Cove, managing director of Wi-Fi hotspot provider The Cloud, told ZDNet UK that the action was brought about during the summer and the fine levied in a civil case. He believes it is the first case of its kind in the UK.

Pub company clients of The Cloud include nationwide chains such as Fullers, Marsdens, Mitchell & Butlers and Punch Taverns. A spokesperson for The Cloud couldn't confirm the details of the report but said that the pub in question was operating its own Wi-Fi network, rather than using one offered by The Cloud.

The pub has not as yet been named, but the case highlights the legal difficulties that exist for businesses looking to offer public Wi-Fi access to their customers, and the importance of ensuring any system is legally compliant.

The ruling would seem to be at odds with proposals contained within the new Digital Economy Bill that hotspot providers and businesses running hotspots for their customers – such as pubs and cafés – would not be held responsible for individuals' actions on Wi-Fi networks.

Despite the Bill's tough anti-piracy stance, including the controversial three-strikes disconnection policy, it stops short of targeting providers of Wi-Fi networks.