Launch of Friendly WiFi scheme
The Friendly WiFi scheme was officially launched today
This time last year, David Cameron announced that the UK’s main WiFi providers had committed to an agreement for content filtering across all public WiFi networks easily accessible by children and young people. The PM also stated that he wanted a logo for public WiFi providers to use. This logo would show customers that the WiFi is filtered and access to inappropriate content is blocked.
The UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS), the government and public WiFi providers have all been working together to develop and launch the Friendly WiFi scheme. The Friendly WiFi logo will be available to any public WiFi provider who is committed to supporting the need for safeguarding online content. Displaying the logo helps parents and children to make informed choices about where they access public WiFi.
Supporting the Friendly WiFi scheme has been a big priority for Purple WiFi, as we are already heavily involved with the work of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). We automatically filter blacklisted URL’s identified by the IWF with our content filtering service.
Other brands that have signed up to become ‘Friendly WiFi’ members include Tesco, Starbucks and Samsung.
Emma Hardy, Director of External Relations at the IWF said: “The Friendly WiFi mark should act as a beacon of reassurance for internet users that WiFi offered in public places meets minimum agreed standards. These standards include filtering the Internet Watch Foundation’s list of child sexual abuse images and videos and we are proud to have helped participate in the Friendly WiFi scheme.”
Gavin Wheeldon, CEO, Purple WiFi, added: “We are committed to educating WiFi providers about the need for safeguarding against inappropriate content being viewed over public networks and the importance of meeting minimum standards. We fully support the Friendly WiFi scheme, and will encourage our partners and customers to get involved and support it too.”
About Purple WiFi http://purplewifi.net
Purple WiFi provides a fast, secure, Social WiFi solution to businesses wishing to offer free WiFi to visitors. The business is provided with valuable analytical data to enable more effective marketing.
Purple WiFi is cloud-based and works with any hardware, offering native integrations with Cisco Meraki, AirTight Networks and Ruckus.
The company is now available in 47 countries worldwide and growing quickly. Purple WiFi is also a member of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), highlighting its commitment to content filtering and minimising access to abusive online content.
About RDI
The RDI was set up in 2005 to create a database of members who are qualified, security checked, insured and safe digital TV installers as part of the Digital Switchover initiative. Today, it represents member companies active across a greater digital spectrum where traditional signal reception and electronic servicing skills form part of an increasingly broader picture, including, connected home, energy provision, security and IP connectivity.
The RDI’s consumer site www.getmedigital.com has been designed to educate consumers and offer support across products and services that enables people to use digital products within or outside of the home. GMD ensures that consumers are given the right information so they can choose the right product or service for them.
