Wireless APs and Liability

[Michael J. Dargan]

Hello-

 

If a public library provides wireless AP access and takes no measures to
authenticate or limit access, how much exposure do they have if someone uses
that AP to pirate software, music, or video that is covered by copyright?
It appears that homeowners would have significant civil and maybe legal
problems.  I've heard librarians tell me that wireless APs are no different
than copy machines and that if we post a written policy admonishing users to
not do "bad" things, we're okay.  

 

I'm a bit skeptical as someone grabbing our signal from across the street
can't reasonably be expected to see our bulletin boards.  Wouldn't the
library at least need to have users agree to an AUP?  And even then, would
that be enough?  I would hate to get a letter from the MPAA telling me that
download activity had been traced to the IP address of our AP.  On the other
hand, should I quit being so fretful, plug it in, and hope for the best?  

 

Michael J. Dargan
Technical Services Librarian
Waterloo & Cedar Falls Public Libraries 

 




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