Russians Must Register Their WiFi Devices

WiFi users in Russia better get ready for mounds of red tape—every capable device will now have to be registered, the country’s Mass Media, Communications and Cultural Protection Service has ruled. Individuals must register, Wi-Fi Networking News reports, and licenses won't be transferable. Until now, indoor use of WiFi in certain bands has been exempt from Russia’s registration requirements.

“Setting up a home WiFi network or a hotspot would require what sounds like vast amounts of paperwork, akin to putting a cell tower,” writes the News’ Glenn Fleishman. (More WiFi stories.)