The Friendly WiFi scheme is a UK public WiFi accreditation program that allows venues to display a logo showing their WiFi is safely filtered. It was a joint initiative between government and industry. Venues can register, have their WiFi reviewed for content filtering, and pay an annual fee based on size to display the Friendly WiFi symbol and be included in an online directory. The goal is for venues to show internet users, especially children, that their public WiFi is safe to use. Many UK brands and organizations supported the launch in 2014 and it continues to expand both in the UK and internationally.

1. UK Government & Industry initiated
Public WiFi – Accreditation Scheme

2. What is Friendly WiFi
Friendly WiFi is the world’s first Public WiFi accreditation scheme, allowing venues to display the new
colourful ‘Friendly WiFi’ symbol to show their internet users the WiFi they provide is safe to use
The symbol is available to any UK venues providing public WiFi, covering all sectors such as Retail, Hotels &
Leisure, Transport, Food & Beverage, schools and other venues where children are likely to be present
The UK Prime Minister announced a commitment on 22nd
July 2013 at the NSPCC : -
“On public Wi-Fi, of which more than 90% is provided by 6 companies – O2, Virgin Media, Sky, Nomad, BT and
Arqiva – I’m pleased to say we’ve now reached an agreement with all of them that family friendly filters are to
be applied across public Wi-Fi networks wherever children are likely to be present. This will be done by the end
of next month”
“And we’re keen to introduce a family friendly Wi-Fi symbol which retailers, hotels, transport companies can
use to show their customers that their public Wi-Fi is properly filtered. So I think good progress there; that’s
RDI (UK) Holdings was asked to work with UKCCIS (UK Council for Child Internet Safety) , UK Government, and
the largest WiFi Providers to develop the accreditation scheme
The scheme and operational model was signed off by Minister Ed Vaizey in Spring 2014, with agreed launch of
the scheme by July 2014
The Scheme continues to grow and has expanded relationships with overseas venues and providers

3. Launch
The Friendly WiFi scheme launched in July 2014 with a number of UK reputable brands :-
Key charities and organisations supported the launch : -

4. How Accreditation works
Venue registers interest to join the scheme and
completes a simple application form
Friendly WiFi check the venues WiFi service meets
scheme content filtering requirements
Venue signs trademark license agreement
Venue pays the annual fee based on the size of
WiFi coverage (or number of access points)
Venue starts displaying the Friendly WiFi symbol to
let their Customers know their public WiFi service
is safe to use

5. Locate a Friendly WiFi venue
Customers visit the Friendly WiFi website and search for venues displaying the symbol
The Friendly WiFi website also provides useful information about the scheme and points users in the right
direction when seeking help or further details of how to stay safe online

6. Some of our Customers

7. Displaying the Logo

8. So why should I join?
Most venues offering WiFi to their Customers display signage
to identify WiFi is available…
How many venues display signage to tell their Customers their WiFi is SAFE ?
 Acknowledge your corporate social responsibility
 Be proud your WiFi, as a minimum, blocks illegal content and pornography
 Show your internet users your WiFi is not only ‘present’ but ‘SAFE’ to use
 Be part of the Friendly WiFi online search directory
Be part of Friendly WiFi social & media activities, working with the public, child
online safety organisations, schools and education.
 Show your users and their Children that you care

9. For more information email: fw@rdi-online.co.uk twitter: @friendlywifi1
Baroness Shields, the UK Minister for Internet
Safety and Security : -
Keeping children and young people safe online is
of paramount importance. The Friendly WiFi
scheme has been a great success in the UK, and is
another example of how we are a world leader
when it comes to making the Internet more child-
friendly. It's extremely encouraging to see so
many providers supporting the scheme and
raising standards. I am delighted the scheme
continues to expand, both in the UK and abroad
including the US and Australia.
November 2015

10. Tell your Customers your WiFi is safe by displaying the logo