Why Safe WiFi Still Matters on Trains – Especially as Google Tops Onboard Usage in 2025

Friendly WiFi
Jun 23
2 min read

On World WiFi Day 2025, new research has revealed what passengers are doing most when connected to onboard train WiFi—and the answer couldn’t be clearer: Google tops the charts, followed closely by Instagram, Facebook, Netflix, and TikTok.

These findings, drawn from over 2 million daily users across Europe and North America, highlight how passengers now expect an internet experience on trains that mirrors what they have at home: always-on, content-rich, and capable of streaming, browsing, and messaging without interruption.

But what’s missing from the headlines is something equally important: what passengers are searching for.

Why This Matters for Online Safety

With Google leading the usage statistics, it’s a strong reminder that train WiFi is a gateway to everything on the internet—from educational content and travel planning to more harmful and inappropriate material. Without adequate filtering and oversight, public WiFi on trains could become a route to exposure rather than connection.

This is precisely why the Friendly WiFi certification exists. It helps transport operators ensure that Safe WiFi Still Matters on Trains and their WiFi services are appropriately filtered to block access to illegal content and pornography, while still enabling a free, open, and fast browsing experience for users of all ages.

What the Data Shows

According to Icomera, who published the research:

Passengers primarily use Google while travelling—far beyond just route planning or weather checks.
Image and video platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube dominate usage.
Netflix, Prime Video, and Spotify confirm the trend toward entertainment-heavy behaviour.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp are also widely used, with Snapchat appearing in North America.

This shift from emails and light browsing (as seen in the early 2000s) to data-hungry streaming and social platforms is accelerating investment in faster infrastructure, including Starlink low-Earth-orbit satellite technology. These developments are exciting, but they must come hand-in-hand with safety.

Certification Is Not Just a Badge—It’s a Commitment

Friendly WiFi certification means a train operator:

Meets UK Government-initiated safety standards (and aligns with international good practice),
Undergoes annual reviews and checks to ensure filtering remains active and effective,
Can confidently display the Friendly WiFi symbol to assure families, parents, and the public that safety is taken seriously.

It’s an initiative that combines digital freedom with digital responsibility—a balance that’s critical in high-traffic environments like public transport.

Why Now Is the Time for Rail Operators to Act

With 2025 shaping up to be a breakthrough year for train connectivity and passenger expectations, there has never been a more important time for train companies to ensure their WiFi isn’t just fast—it’s also safe.

Friendly WiFi offers a straightforward path to certification, helping operators protect all users while staying ahead of digital trends.