BRITS have hit back at train operator Northern after it revealed that the WiFi onboard its services blocks access to dating apps and websites.
In a post to social media on Wednesday, the company made passengers aware of the restrictions.
It explains that internet access is provided through the Friendly WiFi scheme, the government-initiated safe certification standard for public WiFi.
However, the company has been hit with a slew of responses criticising the announcement for blocking dating content when far worse could be accessed.
Social media users also took advantage of the opportunity to slam the quality of Northern’s services.
The post featured an image of a Northern train on a bright pink background next to a fire icon representing the Tinder logo.
It reads: “No online dating on our trains.”
It was shared to social media on Wednesday with the caption: “But seriously…our on board WiFi is delivered under the Friendly WiFi scheme, which blocks access to certain categories of content.
“This is important to us as we know that there are children on our trains.”
It has since received over 130 likes and more than 60 comments from unimpressed Brits keen to share their views.
One wrote: “Not allowed: messaging your Tinder date to say you’ll be late as the train is delayed. Allowed: Twitter which has full-on porn on its website”
A second joked: “That is the best salesmanship I’ve ever seen. Our WiFi doesn’t work, but to put a positive spin on that we designed it that way to keep you all safe.
“You’d smash it on The Apprentice.”
Another commented: “Services that rarely actually run and when they do, they’re late, short formed, dangerously overcrowded and so filthy you’re probably going to get botulism using it.
“Northern: ‘What if we ban online dating?’”
A fourth said: “That’s lovely dear. Every time I use your trains I add an extra hour to my estimated time of arrival, it is frequently insufficient.”
Another added: “Why would children be online dating anyway?”
In a press release issued on Monday, Matt Rice, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “We welcome millions of people on-board our trains every year – and access to safe and reliable internet is part and parcel of our customers’ expectations.
“Whilst some dating websites – and users – will operate with appropriate levels of self-moderation, some might not and it’s important that content not suitable for everyone to see or hear – particularly children – isn’t viewed on our trains.
“With some of the other banned categories – it’s simply about ensuring that there is sufficient bandwidth for all our customers to use while they’re on the go.
“This on-board dating app embargo aside, we wish our single customers all the best in their search for their perfect partner.”
The Friendly WiFi scheme has since praised Northern for its commitment to safeguarding internet users by implementing the “robust measures”.
