Poll: Public WiFi filters that block NWFA site

[Boboclown]

Filters? What are filters? My VPN says I can go to any site.

 

[The Heretic]

Not public, but at work they block anything and everything that has anything to do with 'weapons'. They also block gmail because they think it is insecure, but I think it is because they don't want people checking their personal email.

 

[P7M13]

Is there any particular store (like Walmart) or a particular place (like Salem/PDX)?

I seldom use WiFi or my phone while shopping, and the places I shop the most are Winco and Goodwill. I don't think either of them offer WiFi.
Though NWFA is the most common gun related site I visit, the restrictions I experience are related to firearms and known hacking sites. Because of my hobby, I visit the former, and my job often necessitates I visit the latter.

Places where I have experienced it, where you are redirected to the page, "Prohibited Site.....:

• The occasional restaurant. I haven't been to McDonalds in a LONG time, but IIRC they started filtering.
• Medical facilities (not physicians offices)
• Guest WiFi at companies. Oddly, my company has a strict, anti-gun policy, and filters any of the above while on the corporate network. However, when I am at any of the corporate sites, I can jack-in using guest wireless and surf anywhere.
• [eta] Oh yeah, my vet office.

Places I have not yet experienced it:

• Airport free WiFi
• Hilton hotels. Surprised at this, since they are "no firearms allowed" at all their properties.

What I find even more common is public wifi that will cut you off after 15 minutes if you are using Netflix or other streaming services. I have experienced this many times at airports.

I do know people who have set up a VPN to tunnel into, no matter where they are, where they can do anything they want.

 

[The Heretic]

Most of these orgs have subscriptions to filtering software and white/black lists

 

[BSG 75]

I use this VPN on my phone and laptop and desktop to provide security on public WiFi networks and to bypass filters that don't allow gun sites. Currently on sale for $2.99 month to cover all of my devices. It's worth it. Easy to download, install, and use. You can turn it off and on as needed.

For a limited time only: Grab our deal

Time to make the move towards more privacy. Get big savings on 's NordVPN 2-year plan and we'll throw in an extra three months for free!

nordvpn.com

 

[3MTA3]

I also don't use public WiFi because of security risks, but I'd still be interested in knowing whose WiFi is blocking access to firearms sites. This is a Civil Rights issue no different than if they blocked access to any other Civil Rights based website. As a consumer I'd like to know who is against my rights.

 

[v0lcom13sn0w]

Thanks; I was just curious. Spirit Mountain is a nice resort and we enjoyed our stay there.

never stayed there. its only 20-30 min from my house. been to the buffet a few times though!

 

[TeacherSmurf]

I also don't use public WiFi because of security risks, but I'd still be interested in knowing whose WiFi is blocking access to firearms sites. This is a Civil Rights issue no different than if they blocked access to any other Civil Rights based website. As a consumer I'd like to know who is against my rights.

Actually, this was part of my thinking. That and as a consumer, checking the reviews before purchase. In other words, Walmart has a good price on _________ rifle but I can't check anywhere but Walmart.com for reviews?

As for my public WiFi use, I'm not worried about security with my usage. I honestly only tried to get to NWFA while in Walmart to find the color of the truck on @CountryGent avatar.

 

[WhyElKay]

I can't access the site at the Providence Portland Medical Center. It gives you the option to request that IT evaluate the site and I put the information in to request the site be deemed safe. It's been 5 months.. still doesn't allow it to go through.

 

[arakboss]

This happens to me very frequently. It is the PC'ing of public wifi. It's not just NWFA but almost any firearm related site. I wish there was a way around this? I don't have service on my smart phone so I am solely dependent on wifi when I am out and about.

 

[WhyElKay]

This happens to me very frequently. It is the PC'ing of public wifi. It's not just NWFA but almost any firearm related site. I wish there was a way around this? I don't have service on my smart phone so I am solely dependent on wifi when I am out and about.

They block it as if it is not a secured site. At Providence it gives you the option of requesting the webmaster re-evaluate. If I'm super bored, I just keep requesting it every 10-15 minutes.

 

[Alexx1401]

When I got to work tonight I tried again on my Chromebook and now the message has changed. It used to have some blurb about our IT needed to do something. Now it just says Northwest firearms unexpectedly closed the connection. Whatever in the hell that means. Can still get on fine on the hard wired machines. Strange.

 

[FordPrefect]

No offence, but the only way I use strange WiFi on my devices is when I'm using a VPN. Not very safe otherwise.

 

[Certaindeaf]

I have an unlimited plan so I won't use public WiFi for any reason.

To many ways to get burned if your not careful, I'd rather not risk it unless it's an emergency or something

I find places that block stuff and watch hickok45 at full blast using my phone plan.

 

[3MTA3]

Blocking a firearms site because it isn't secure is one thing, blocking it because of content is what gets my dander up. I'd be just as upset if they blocked a freedom of speech site, or race equality, etc.. I bet you can get to AntiFa pages - it would be interesting to test

 

[Helocat]

I use a VPN for security reasons, but it also bypasses the wifi filters. This has worked at all the casinos mentioned and at the doctor/dentist.

I too use a VPN - however it will be blocked at times. 99% of the time I use my data just to control the info I am floating out there.

I use this VPN on my phone and laptop and desktop to provide security on public WiFi networks and to bypass filters that don't allow gun sites. Currently on sale for $2.99 month to cover all of my devices. It's worth it. Easy to download, install, and use. You can turn it off and on as needed.

For a limited time only: Grab our deal

Time to make the move towards more privacy. Get big savings on 's NordVPN 2-year plan and we'll throw in an extra three months for free!

nordvpn.com

Same VPN I use. Nord does a great job.

My work = I own the place so no filters. Heck few yrs back I bought everyone their pick of a Glock for Christmas, and hosted CCL classes that let my staff attend for free. Last winter "staff outing" Took all 11 of us to Rich's Gun shop, to their "shoot'in gallery" (lever action .22's and moving steel).

Rich's Gun Shop – Utah's Finest Full Service Firearm Store and Range

Come Visit Rich's Gun Shop in St. George, Utah for all your firearm needs. Rich's provides a virtual shooting range, training and expert advice since 1963

richsgunshop.com

 

[peternov01]

Kaiser Permanente Gateway Medical Office a few years ago. after that i now just use my data plan.

 

[arakboss]

Kaiser Permanente Gateway Medical Office a few years ago. after that i now just use my data plan.

all kaisers have been a no go for any gun related sites

 

[P7M13]

Spent a few hours at a Providence Urgent Care with the wife, and there was no block that prevented me visiting NWFA or PSA.

 

[Hueco]

Not using a VPN on public wifi is like carrying an empty gun on one hip and half empty mag on the other with a broken condom in your wallet.

Like...really?