The Internet Freedom Foundation raises concerns over the public Wi-Fi model proposed by TRAI

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has responded to the consultation note by TRAI on the rollout of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country . The Note proposes a model where Wi-Fi hotspot providers have to register themselves at a central registry, and every user is authenticated through an OTP mechanism. The IFF has suggested more relaxed regulations for those who want to set up Wi-Fi hotspots, and scrapping of the authentication system. The government wants every person who connects to a Wi-Fi hotspot to be verified through an Aadhaar linked identification process. According to the IFF, this poses several problems. TRAI imposes regulations on and requires registration from every entity that wants to set up a public Wi-Fi hotspot. These requirements will slowdown the process of broadband rollout across India. According to the IFF, it makes little sense to require authentication from every user in every hotspot. The authentication procedure is an additional step that legitimate users who prefer to be anonymous while accessing the internet. It forces them to use proxies, VPNs, TOR or other means to mask their identities. These same methods can be used by malicious agents, including terrorists. Therefore, the authentication system and the requirement of KYC (know your customer) documents is an unnecessary and irrelevant step, according to the IFF. The IFF also notes that The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression has upheld the freedom of users to be anonymous while online. The proposed model by TRAI is in favor of telecom operators, because only these operators have the necessary infrastructure to support the requirements of the model. In terms of sending the SMS for OTP, ID verification and custom payment gateways, independent entities interested in providing public Wi-Fi hotspots will be at a disadvantage compared to the capabilities of telecom operators. IFF proposes light touch regulations, and has responded to the consultation note to TRAI.