Northern Rail: "This isn't a 'Love Train'" says Sheffield rail operator revealing why dating apps are blocked

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The rail operator in charge of all but one station in Sheffield has explained why you will not be able to find love online whilst using their services.

Northern Rail passengers will notice how a number of online platforms are blocked when connected to the free Wifi on the operator’s trains - including dating apps, video streaming, gambling, alcohol and pornography.

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.

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Passengers on Northern Rail trains will notice they cannot access a number of their usual apps on the free wifi.Passengers on Northern Rail trains will notice they cannot access a number of their usual apps on the free wifi.
Passengers on Northern Rail trains will notice they cannot access a number of their usual apps on the free wifi. | Northern Rail

“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.”

Northern’s on-board WiFi is delivered under the Friendly WiFi scheme, which blocks access to certain categories of content, including those associated with dating.

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Content considered ‘NSFW’ can range in scale from inappropriate jokes and bad language to offensive topics and explicit material.

Northern has been a member of the Friendly WiFi scheme, which is delivered in partnership with the UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS), since 2017.

The operator runs five of the six stations in Sheffield including Woodhouse, Darnall, Chapeltown, Dore & Totley and Meadowhall.

It is the second largest train operator in the UK, with nearly 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

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