Asda Wi-Fi Legal Notice

[Kilobite]

Hi guys,

I went to Asda last week and whilst I was there I needed to check something on the internet.

Asda have free Wi-Fi but when I tried to connect, the Login Screen said very clearly "It's a legal requirement that we validate your phone number"

Is this correct? If so, are all other Supermarkets, Bars, Restaurants, Cafe's breaking the law because I've never been asked this before. Not only that, how can they validate an unregistered PAYG mobile?

I think this is just their crude way of obtaining my number so they can bombard me with unwanted marketing texts! If this is the case, I think their wording is both underhand & misleading!

I wrote to their Customer Services but they have declined to respond!

I hope somebody here can clarify.

Kindest regards

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect you may be right. But most free WiFi seems to want an e-mail address (presumably to spam) before they let you on anyway. And it must be cheaper to spam e-mails than mobiles, surely ?

[VHG]

Maybe use a tablet then, it has no phone number !

[wolf63]

Have a look at this link - is explains shy they want your number

http://www.hotukdeals.com/freebies/get-free-wi-fi-asda-stores-1483016

[Old_Geezer]

Presumably that would mean you could not provide one so wouldn't be let on ?

[Kilobite]

I know they'll have their 'Marketing' reasons to request your number but my point is that they shouldn't be allowed to say that it's a legal requirement

[mushroom25]

in continental europe (and some outlets in this country too) the same process applies in mcdonalds - you tell them your mobile number, they send you a validation code, you use the code to access the Wi-Fi. done it loads of times, never had a spam text from anybody.

[ummmm]

Same when I used Wi-Fi in a hotel. You need a validation code which they send to your mobile.

[ummmm]

This was in Ireland.

[Bella28]

Unlike tescos Asda do not have a club card scheme which would have that imformation

[Peter Pedant]

OK I have no background in this

sounds like egging the pudding.

They didnt say statutory ( according to a statute) or
if they didnt - it would be criminal.....

so I think it is just 'spam'
their answer I am sure is - if you dont wanna use the Asda wifi then dont put your number in.