Don’t Let Internet “Hot Spots” Chill Privacy and Free Speech

Cities throughout Northern California are in the process of developing new municipal wireless Internet programs, often called WiFi, with little to no consideration of the privacy and free speech implications of such systems.  Many of these communities are considering systems that track the user’s identity, websites viewed, and the location from which individuals access information. 

It is imperative that consumers understand the implications of using such wireless systems and that community leaders implement systems that safeguard consumers’ privacy rights. 

The ACLU of Northern California strongly supports municipal wireless and applauds efforts to offer wider access to information, but community members must not be forced to pay for wireless access with their privacy and free speech rights.