Longford, Graham (2006). Municipal WiFi is Coming, and Why Privacy
Advocates Should Care. On the Identity Trail. July 25, 2006.
http://www.idtrail.org/content/view/510/42/
This short article argues that, despite the lack of attention privacy issues have received so
far, “as major WiFi deployments … are rolled out … surveillance and privacy scholars, activists and policy makers must become engaged in order to ensure that such systems are implemented in a manner that is transparent, accountable and as respectful of user rights, including privacy, as possible,” (p. 1). The article raises questions about the privacy policies of Toronto Hydro’s (then) proposed (now, in part, deployed) wireless network, and shows how some features of its network, such as the requirement for users to login, indicate that user privacy may be compromised. It concludes that a municipal wireless system that meets the “Gold Standard” for privacy should: -allow access without "signing in"; sign-in procedures often require personal information that enables tracking; -offer a level of access that is free, since fee-based systems (e.g. subscription services) enable the
identification of users through credit card or bank account information, unless provision for cash payment is made; and, -forego offering targeted advertising and other customized electronic services based on user identity, location or surfing behavior; such services may
be offered, but on an “opt-in” basis requiring the user’s explicit consent.
This article may be useful as an example of how particular broadband projects can be assessed in terms of how they measure on privacy.
