UK ISP Karoo WiFi customer disconnect
p2pnet news view Freedom | WiFi:- “Make Karoo your home page,” suggests the UK ISP.
But maybe not.
“Open wireless networks have served as a successful defense strategy for several alleged filesharers, as it is often impossible for content owners to prove that the person they accuse, has actually distributed the files they claim they did. Unfortunately, for the customers of the UK ISP Karoo, running open WiFi might also get them disconnected – even if it’s unintentional.”
That’s the intro to Ernesto’s TorrentFreak story which goes on some people leave their networks open, “simply because they are clueless about how to secure it” while others just don’t mind if their WiFi connections are open and, “In recent months, we have seen several cases where accused filesharers have successfully argued that someone else may have used their WiFi to share copyrighted materia,” it says, going on »»»
“Because anyone could have accessed the network, it is impossible to prove that the defendant was the one who shared files illegally.”
But, “Not all ISPs are happy with customers who have open WiFi,” says the story, pointing out some even threaten to disconnect those who do, one such being Britain’s Karoo which had the item below in its September 2008 terms and conditions
We shall be entitled to terminate the Service immediately if We discover that you have permitted (whether knowingly or not) a third party (or third parties) to access the Service using a wireless connection over Your Communications Line.
TorrentFreak’s Ernesto continues
Should an ISP be entitled to demand this? Karoo leaves its customers no choice, and simply forbids them to leave their network unsecured, or use a FON router, despite the fact that this will be practically impossible for them to enforce. Not only that, people who have no idea about router security are now wide open to summary disconnection by this ISP. UK lawyers Davenport Lyons are actively encouraging that service providers of various types enforce their own terms and conditions against copyright infringers, so if you’re with Karoo and get a complaint, you can forget about 3 strikes. Even if you did nothing illegal, it’s one strike and you’re out.
Some would argue that having an open wireless network is the right thing to do. Earlier this year, security expert Bruce Schneier wrote an extensive essay on why it’s a good thing. Some of his key arguments were that it is basic kindness, and that the risk of running into abusers is extremely low. Also, when someone abuses the open WiFi to do something illegal, it is easy to defend yourself.
Schneier’s post led to a flood of responses, and most of them agreed with the security expert. Of course, there are pro’s and con’s to having an unsecured network, and whether it really is a wise choice can be debated. But, disconnecting your users simply because they, knowingly or not, have an open wireless network is a bit too strict for our taste. Nevertheless, Karoo thinks otherwise.
Karoo didn’t respond to Ernesto’s requests for comment, he adds.
However, on Saturday, p2pnet also asked Karoo what was going on and a few moments ago, received this by way of response »»»
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the recent changes to the Karoo Standard Terms.
We confirm that the changes were implemented to prevent unauthorised usage of the Karoo service by a small number of our customers. The changes do not prevent our customers from connecting to the Karoo service from multiple computers, in their own household, or from remote wi-fi access points, legitimately.
We are sorry if we have caused you any concern. We will make suitable amendments to the Karoo Standard Terms, to provide clarification on this point, in the next edition of the Karoo Standard Terms.
Oh. So that’s OK, then.
Stay tuned.
TorrentFreak – ISP Disconnects Customers with Open WiFi, November 2, 2008
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November 4th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
I used to be with karoo when I lived in hull, and they have a complete monopoly on internet services in that area. Many people have complained and nothing has ever been done. So it’s no suprise when they come out with things like this; as they can get away with almost anything. A terrible reflection on the ISP regulator, OFCOM.
December 22nd, 2008 at 8:09 am
Interesting, had not seen this – I’m also suffering from the Karoo monopoly and high prices. I’m not seeing light at the end of the tunnel yet, but something needs to be done!
Best.
Jon