PTA to Monitor Internet Users using Public Wi-Fi Hotspots

The WiFi hotspots are increasing in Pakistan, especially in Pakistan and PTA has come up with a regulation plan. PTA has decided to facilitate service providers and their customers, through obtaining their records and having a check on them. The regulator issued a draft of “Data Retention of Internet extended to WiFi-Hotspots Regulations, 2018″
These regulations shall apply to Access Providers and Class Licensing Registration licensees with the mandate to register, maintain and retain information of people using data services through Wi-Fi Hotspots at public places as prescribed under these new regulations.

Every Hotspot service provider is required to retain information of users from public hotspots. So, next time you are trying/using public internet be careful you are being overwatched.

ISPs will have to provide required information to authorities and officers upon official requests.

Service providers will have to retain information as following:

1. Full name of the user
2. CNIC number /passport numbers (in case of foreigners)
3. Mobile number [shall be used as Login ID]
4. Acceptance of Terms and Conditions to use of such Data Services facilities
5. Generation of the password through SMS.

Licensee(s) will have to observe technical expertise and arrangements, as provided in Class Licensing Registration Regulation, 2007, the draft of PTA regulation stated.

The owner of a public Wi-Fi hotspot will be required to maintain a log of the following user information for a minimum 6 months.

1. Full Name of the user
2. CNIC number/passport numbers (in case of foreigners)
3. Mobile Number
4. Date & time of login
5. Date & time of logoff
6. IP address allocated to the user
7. MAC Address
8. Internet Access Log e.g. Http, POP, IMAP, Skype, etc

Those who are already running hotspots will have to run a media campaign to create awareness amongst existing public Wi-Fi hotspots within three months. They will also have to ensure the compliance with the bill. 

In case of non-compliance with these regulations, the data services provided by the licensees as public Wi-Fi hotspot will be terminated/disconnected.