Is this a new requirement? I spent several months in the EU in 2022 and 2023 and never had to download an app to connect to the Wifi4EU networks.
this post was submitted on 17 Oct 2024
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Smartphone Required (digital exclusion of people without smartphones)
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I’m uncertain. The EU’s words 3 weeks ago were:
“Now, with the #WiFi4EU app, enjoy free, high-speed WiFi in public spaces across Europe.”
That seems to imply that it is. A few replies seem to suggest opposition to a smartphone app requirement:
https://freesoftwareextremist.com/objects/0f42d401-7c57-4f78-a73c-c42278ffb0ed https://piaille.fr/@aaribaud/113260758404320106 https://sns.neonka.info/@nk/113261087148349618 https://westergaard.social/objects/8d4873c1-e674-4403-9f0a-b0adb5dd4246
But this post comes from someone who apparently believes the app is purely for finding the hotspots, not using them:
https://wetdry.world/@cyrus/113264605839060934
If you find something solid let me know. I’ll correct the post if needed. The branch started by @aaribaud seems to have the most insight, implying that the EU is distrusting WPA and using an app to do TLS.
(update) I think you are right. I just heard from someone saying it’s a regular hotspot with captive portal. Still not good but not as bad as an app mandate (like we see with eduroam).