How would internet access in a coffee shop be traced to the specific user?

greenavocado 2 days ago | parent | next [-]

In Switzerland you are forced to receive an SMS code to your phone on every portal in every public space everywhere to establish your identity on every network. No SMS = No public wifi anywhere in Switzerland.

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elashri 2 days ago | parent | next [-]

The reason is that the law in Switzerland requires identification of the user of free internet services [1]. So it is not just common practice

[1] https://www.gva.ch/Site/Passagers/Shopping/Services/Business...

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Kozmik1 2 days ago | parent | prev | next [-]

That's a funny choice, I thought Europe was done with SMS. I can see this 1-to-1 mapping with other cellphone derived messaging like Whatsapp, etc being an issue for privacy but it's certainly possible to have multiple phones.

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pnw 2 days ago | parent | prev [-]

How would an SMS code sent to a phone number be traced to the specific user? Anonymous VOIP numbers are plentiful.

	▲	greenavocado a day ago \| parent \| next [-]
		You need to show identification to get a SIM card. You can't receive the text message without cellular service. I had to show my passport to get a SIM card.
	▲	afavour 2 days ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		I imagine they would block anonymous VOIP numbers.

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withinrafael 2 days ago | parent | prev [-]

I believe cyber cafes in India must verify identity via ID before allowing internet access and maintain logs, browsing history, etc. for at least one year.