Is Your Public WiFi Safe? Understanding the Online Safety Act and the Role of Friendly WiFi Certification

In today’s always-connected world, ensuring the safety of public WiFi is more important than ever. With the introduction of the Online Safety Act 2023, the UK has set a clear standard for protecting users from harmful online content, especially children and vulnerable people. Businesses and organisations that offer public WiFi have a valuable role to play in supporting these national safety goals by ensuring their networks are responsibly filtered.

Friendly WiFi certification provides a simple, recognised way for public WiFi providers to demonstrate their commitment to safe internet access and customer protection.

The Online Safety Act: A Summary

The Online Safety Act 2023 places duties on online platforms, search engines, and user-to-user services to prevent the sharing and accessing of illegal and harmful content. This includes:

• Child sexual abuse material

• Terrorism-related content

• Pornography and other harmful material

  
  

Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, oversees compliance and can issue penalties up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover for serious breaches.

The wider message of the Act is clear: all providers of internet access should do their part to protect users. Public WiFi providers, in particular, are well placed to contribute to the safer online environment envisioned by the legislation.

The Risks of Unfiltered Public WiFi

Despite growing awareness, research shows many public WiFi networks worldwide still lack proper, or incorrectly configured filtering. This creates several risks:

• Children and vulnerable users may encounter harmful material

• Businesses can suffer reputational damage if users access inappropriate content on their networks

• Consumers lose confidence in using public WiFi if they feel it is unsafe

  
  

Venues such as cafes, hotels, transport hubs, and leisure centres have a growing responsibility to provide safe and secure WiFi connections.

Friendly WiFi Certification: Supporting the Aims of the Online Safety Act

The Friendly WiFi certification scheme, developed in collaboration with the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS), provides a clear and trusted framework for safe public WiFi.

Friendly WiFi certification helps businesses ensure that their public internet services meet a recognised standard of content filtering designed to block illegal and harmful material.

Becoming certified allows businesses to:

• Enhance Customer Trust: Show customers that the network is safe and responsibly managed

• Demonstrate Social Responsibility: Publicly support the wider objectives of the Online Safety Act

• Display the Friendly WiFi 'Approved' Symbol: Reassure parents, guardians, and all users that content filtering is in place

• Differentiate from Competitors: Stand out as a leader in public safety and customer care

  
  

The Certification Process

Friendly WiFi certification is designed to be simple and efficient:

1. Assessment of current WiFi filtering arrangements

2. Guidance and recommendations if improvements are needed

3. Certification and approval to use the Friendly WiFi symbol once the standards are met

   
   

This allows businesses to proactively demonstrate their commitment to safe, filtered public WiFi with minimal operational disruption.

See some of our proud Customer Case Studies

The Benefits of Certification

Friendly WiFi certification is used across a range of sectors including retail, transport, education, local authorities, leisure, and hospitality. Benefits include:

• Customer confidence in the safety of public internet access

• Peace of mind for families and schools using WiFi in public spaces

• Reputational advantage for businesses showing leadership in social responsibility

• A simple way to show alignment with the UK’s focus on safer online environments

  
  

Conclusion

The Online Safety Act has strengthened the UK’s commitment to protecting people from harmful online content. Public WiFi providers are uniquely placed to contribute to this mission by ensuring their networks are responsibly filtered and safe for users of all ages.

Friendly WiFi certification offers a practical, visible, and respected way for businesses to meet these expectations and provide safe digital spaces in their venues. It not only enhances customer trust but also plays a valuable role in helping to create a safer online experience for everyone.

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