Russia wants all WiFi devices to be registered
Sure, we've seen the occasional loony look down upon open WiFi access, but Russia is apparently out to really slow down wireless adoption with its latest directive. Reportedly, the Russian Mass Media, Communications and Cultural Protection Service (or Rossvyazokhrankultura for short -- no seriously, we swear) is looking to have every user of a WiFi-enabled device obtain permission and register said device before hopping on the world wide web. Even worse, it seems as if every single wireless transmitter and device must be registered, meaning that technophiles will be filling out heaps of paperwork in order to get their handset, laptop, DS Lite, PC and hacked-up Foleo online (legally) via their home-based access point. We're hearing that registering a single PDA or phone would take around ten days, while signing up a new home network would be even more painstaking. We'll spare you the snide In Soviet Russia... remarks, but feel free to concoct your own below.[Via Wi-Fi Net News]
Filed under: Wireless
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Dave @ Apr 15th 2008 11:24PM
In soviet russia, Wi-Fi sniffs you!!!
AutoTom @ Apr 16th 2008 12:14AM
in soviet russia, wifi finds you!
rv @ Apr 16th 2008 12:39AM
In soviet russia, WIFI registers you!
Flashpoint @ Apr 16th 2008 8:13AM
What iz dis "freedom" dat you speak of komrade?
Sachin @ Apr 16th 2008 5:10PM
All your wi-fi are belong to us.
Jonathan Worrel @ Apr 17th 2008 1:58PM
Putin to Russia: "Let's all register our Wi-Fi devices for the common good!"
Putin to Stalin: "Thanks for the idea buddy." ;)
jason @ Apr 15th 2008 11:25PM
In soviet russia, sucks to be you...
v3xx @ Apr 16th 2008 12:39AM
best soviet russia joke ever.
ethana2 @ Apr 16th 2008 12:54AM
Yes.
idiot @ Apr 15th 2008 11:26PM
in soviet russia, we dont need no stinkin--*BOOM HEADSHOT*
Zorque @ Apr 16th 2008 12:46AM
That's like 12 different tired memes rolled into one, that must have been an effort.
GreezyG @ Apr 15th 2008 11:27PM
In America we have great decadence free wi-fi. we are sorrying comrades of mother russia
majortom @ Apr 15th 2008 11:27PM
wait until I tell Moose and Squirrell!!!
Mike @ Apr 15th 2008 11:27PM
I have to wonder how they're going to identify these devices. Mac addresses can be spoofed, and that's the only thing that can really be traced with any sort of accuracy.
v3xx @ Apr 16th 2008 12:42AM
one step closer to ingsoc
hiko36 @ Apr 16th 2008 4:49AM
I don't think they had wifi in Airstrip One...
Funke, Tobias Dr. @ Apr 16th 2008 2:52AM
That's true, but it's one more tool for the FSB , and another small addition to the new Iron Curtain. This is something that's surely intended to snare dissidents and others who for good or bad run afoul of the "government". Savvy users should have no problem avoiding trouble, but this will certainly make users who don't know how to get around it think twice before speaking their minds.
v3xx @ Apr 16th 2008 3:21AM
you should watch the second half of zeitgeist. may not be true but makes you paranoid as hell for a week or two.
Raj @ Apr 15th 2008 11:28PM
Rossvyazokhrankultura - Nice
Gore @ Apr 15th 2008 11:28PM
Well considering there really isn't much broadband outside of select major cities, and most pc users are in cafes, it doesn't seem like that big of a venture to register it all.
austin @ Apr 15th 2008 11:29PM
in soviet russia, wifi connect to YOU
TeddyLikesComputahs! @ Apr 15th 2008 11:31PM
HAIL to the U.S.S.R.!!!!
Dante @ Apr 15th 2008 11:31PM
In Soviet Russia, Wi-Fi devices register YOU!!
junyor Mynt @ Apr 15th 2008 11:33PM
register or we will drop the iron Wi-Fi curtain. Like all other things the good boys will comply and the rest will continue to think outside the box.
andres @ Apr 15th 2008 11:35PM
in soviet russia, open wifi looks down at you
KarlW @ Apr 15th 2008 11:36PM
In Germany, you have to register your address for mobile numbers - even a PAYG SIM card needs registration. It's just a form in the store though, no 10 day waiting.
Just a little fun fact. Feel free to use it in those awkward silence moments.
pundit @ Apr 16th 2008 1:47AM
That's to prevent terrorists from using them as bomb-detonators. I have my German cell phone, gave my address, and went on my merry little way. It took about 3 minutes out of my life.
kr @ Apr 15th 2008 11:39PM
Is that some rick rollage i see? I'm not clicking that!
Paulmichael @ Apr 15th 2008 11:40PM
What the hell is the point of requiring something like this? And why bring this about now? Wi-fi has been mainstream for a good number of years already...
Kurian @ Apr 15th 2008 11:44PM
Its like owning a dog in India. No one in their right mind will bother to get it registered, and pay a bribe to get things moving, will will cost more than the dog.
Taylor Woods @ Apr 16th 2008 2:05AM
Just one more attempt but Putin and his cronies to restrict free expression and communication so that a full reversion to communist repression can occur quietly and without revolt. Beware the sleeping bear, he is ready to awake again enriched after this capitalistic venture.
AKWuollet @ Apr 16th 2008 5:01PM
wat
andres @ Apr 15th 2008 11:41PM
in soviet russia, i roll rick
Denver_80203 @ Apr 15th 2008 11:44PM
I must be missing something on the bulk of the comments.
Chebwa @ Apr 15th 2008 11:48PM
Yeah, me too. I think it's humor.
kr @ Apr 16th 2008 12:32AM
Google "Yakov Smirnoff".
Panhandler @ Apr 16th 2008 10:43AM
In Soviet Russia, comments miss the bulk of you.
/see how it works?
//no, it's isn't funny anymore.
MeatpieoughtSix @ Apr 15th 2008 11:52PM
in soviet Russia, we claim to be democratic, but we really require the foolish peasants to register the 3 wifi devices in country.
Sam Zebian @ Apr 15th 2008 11:53PM
Sucks to live in Russia as a geek...
Draaaainage! @ Apr 16th 2008 1:40AM
"Sucks to live in Russia"
Fixed
kimatg @ Apr 16th 2008 7:08AM
it's cold up there. and cars are dirty.
Backlin @ Apr 15th 2008 11:59PM
Wow, looks like I was completely wrong...
I thought only old people like Yakov Smirnoff.
Shinigami @ Apr 16th 2008 12:04AM
LOLZ!
Thank God I am Ukrainian, not russian, and my country doesn't require this.
Yes, they stated that they can confiscate *any* wi-fi device now, even though their law "on communications" (straight translation) says wi-fi devices don't need registration.
Mr. Karpov must have hit his head somewhere. He said, *every home wi-fi is a hot-spot and should be registered with a full set of documents, while wi-fi supporting devices can be registered on an individual and only used by this individual*. And yes, he said they'll confiscate it if you give your laptop or cell with wi-fi to anyone else. LOL!!!
Well, the funniest thing is that the head of the governmental agency that controls communications (mass media, personal info protection, giving frequencies ect, read as Russian FCC) is now headed by an engineer-metallurgist by education. I don't think he actually knows laws he needs to protect.
Yes, I agree with fontanka.ru - professional degradation is easy to see. And you know why? Because after soviet union fell apart, Ukrainian specialists went back to Ukraine and now work in EU and USA.
I'm really happy I'm not russian xD I actually pity them greatly, though its hard to notice xD
Dmitry @ Apr 16th 2008 12:45AM
"Yes, I agree with fontanka.ru - professional degradation is easy to see. And you know why? Because after soviet union fell apart, Ukrainian specialists went back to Ukraine and now work in EU and USA."
sweet dreams, comrade, sweet dreams. Working in EU and the US - doing what? spreading their legs every now and then?
hrt @ Apr 16th 2008 12:50AM
LOLZ? What is that? A corruption of LULZ? I don' think so...
cha0s @ Apr 16th 2008 1:58AM
2_Shinigami
Yeah, russians are stupid because all the Ukrainians left to work abroad... as a construction site workers... seriously, i understand your patriotism but think about what you are writing. I am russian but i'm glad i don't live there anymore. Our government is a bunch of corrupt idiots, who failed literacy tests. Democracy? oh yeah.....
this thing with Wifi really sucks, and it's obviously unlawful, but i think only big organizations will register, private users will just ignore all this.
In soviet Russia, laws mean nothing.
mrberkut @ Apr 16th 2008 4:07AM
To Shinigami,
"Yes, I agree with fontanka.ru - professional degradation is easy to see. And you know why? Because after soviet union fell apart, Ukrainian specialists went back to Ukraine and now work in EU and USA."
I can understand "blind patriotism", but calling Russians stupid in every single post of yours is plain childish. I feel for all those poor Russians (about 50% of current Ukranian population) that are forced to deal with people like you.
Sankel @ Apr 21st 2008 12:50PM
Nu 4e vbIebnulsya ?
tommy @ Apr 16th 2008 12:14AM
Let's hope Fearless Leader at Pennsylvania Avenue doesn't get wind of this
AutoTom @ Apr 16th 2008 12:15AM
in soviet russia, wifi hacks you!!