GuestWiFi under scrutiny: What the coalition agreement 2025 means for cafés, hotels & co.

New Government, New Course: What's in the Coalition Agreement?

The current black-red coalition is planning a whole range of new security measures - including those that could directly affect guest wifi networks. At the center of the debate is a familiar proposal: data retention.

Specifically: Internet providers - and guest wifi operators could soon be among them - should store IP addresses for three months. The goal: to better track crimes on the net. The downside? Data protection and privacy are massively under pressure.

And that is not all.

The coalition agreement contains further sensitive points:

• Automated data analysis by authorities

• Biometric comparisons using AI with publicly accessible images

• Expansion of video surveillance, combined with network and traffic data

Sounds like a dystopian crime thriller? Unfortunately reality.

Civil Rights Activists Sound the Alarm: "Freedom is Written Small"

Organizations like the Society for Civil Rights and the Chaos Computer Club (CCC) are unequivocal in their remarks: "In the coalition agreement, freedom is written small," says Bijan Moini. The talk is about a massive intrusion into fundamental rights.

The CCC even calls for a "brake stop" – and warns of a dangerous paradigm shift: Instead of informational self-determination, data usage is now at the forefront, often sprinkled with "AI" buzzwords, according to the association.

What does this mean for you as the operator of a GuestWiFi?

Well, depending on how the laws are designed, you could - yet again - be obligated. For example, to log user activities. Or to release data when authorities come calling. This is not only technically demanding, but can also become legally tricky.

What Does This Mean Specifically for Restaurateurs & Hoteliers?

In plain language: If you offer free wifi to your guests, you could soon have to bear much more responsibility than before.

Three Possible Scenarios:

1. Obligation to Store IP Addresses - including secure user assignment

2. Mandate for Authentication - such as through SMS-TAN or check-in with ID

3. Shifting Liability Back to the Provider - fines threatened for non-compliance

This hits smaller businesses especially hard. Because who has an IT expert standing in the kitchen?

Between Latte Macchiato and Log Files: The Balancing Act of Hosts

Let's take an everyday example: A regular customer logs into your wifi in your bistro and streams - let's say - copyrighted content. You know nothing about it. But through new surveillance mechanisms, their IP address is traced. And because it is associated with your GuestWiFi, you suddenly become the focus.

Absurd? Perhaps. But not impossible. And that is exactly why the tone in the industry is getting sharper. Many are now demanding clear rules, but also practical solutions. Because it cannot be that small cafés have to meet the same requirements as large corporations.

Technology Saves (Not Everything), But Helps: What Needs to Be Done Now

Of course, there are technical means to protect yourself:

• Captive Portals with terms of use

• Hotspot Solutions requiring login

• Time Control Functions and Traffic Limitations

• VPN Gateways that mask the IP address

But honestly - how many operators who aren't wifi-router manufacturers themselves really understand it? This is exactly where technological adjustments via automatic software updates are needed.

Because service must not become a legal trap. And the digitization of the gastronomy industry must not fail because access to the wifi becomes a security risk.

And How Does My GuestWiFi Stay Legally Secure?

Good question - because even the best wifi is worthless if it is not regularly maintained and legally secured. That's where we come into play. We are manufacturers of professional GuestWiFi systems - and a bit proud that our routers are automatically equipped with up-to-date software versions. No subscription, no maintenance contract, no fine print.

Our technology runs not only in cafés and hotels but also where things get serious - like in savings banks and cooperative banks. With our brand BankWlan.com, we have been ensuring security at banking standard for over seven years. For you, this means you benefit directly from our experience. And through GastWLAN.com, you get a legally compliant GuestWiFi that automatically adapts to new legal requirements with updates - without you having to become active every time.

And yes - we are also officially registered with the Federal Network Agency as a WLAN provider. This means: We not only take care of the technology but also the legal framework. Through our captive portal, your guests conclude a binding usage agreement with us - so you're off the hook.

And if you want, you can take it a step further with us: Remote maintenance directly on the router? No problem. Automated wifi marketing for guests? That's possible too. You decide how much you want to do yourself - and how much we can take off your hands.