Most retailers are failing to filter porn and illicit
content from their wireless hotspots, despite being responsible for
content accessed on their property.
Researchers at network integrator Telindus visited a number of
hotspots at central London retail establishments, including coffee
bars and restaurants, and found that 80% allowed them to access
adult content.
In addition, all of the hotspots allowed researchers to access
sites offering information that could help a potential
terrorist.
James Walker, mobility specialist at Telindus, said, “You
wouldn’t expect café owners to leave porn mags on tables, so how
come they let us access adult content using their hotspots?”
All but one site visited charged for wireless internet usage.
All locations allowed users to search for the terms “massage
parlour London”, “escorts London” and “anthrax source”.
Researchers were also able to download adult images sent to
Hotmail and Gmail accounts.
All hotspots allowed access to sites showing users how to make
bombs and where to buy Viagra.
Walker said, “Although hotspot ISPs may publish acceptable usage
policies, it is obvious that they are not doing anything to enforce
them, and it is the retailer that is ultimately legally responsible
for what its patrons access over the web.”