[via bit-tech.net]

The administrative overhead in offering customers free Internet access could become to much to bear if the Digital Economy Bill goes forward.

The Digital Economy Bill – which aims to curtail file sharing by introduction stronger sanctions against those found trading in copyright material, up to and including disconnection from the Internet – could have an unfortunate side effect: the death of the free, open wireless access point.

Lillian Edwards, professor of Internet law at Sheffield University, is quoted by ZDNet as stating that the scenarios detailed in an explanatory document produced by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills would “outlaw open WiFi for small businesses.”