9 Responses to “Your Privacy for Sale: Internet Providers Cash In”

1. Jelv Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 8:15 am | Link to this

   Phorm and BT were supposed to start running trials several weeks ago. But they have run in to such a wall of opposition and legal problems that they have been postponed. It begins to look a distinct possibility that conforming to the law may undermine the entire business model and so it may never happen. There is speculation that Virgin Media may be on the verge of announcing that it is pulling out altogether. Reply

2. Richard Head Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 8:36 am | Link to this

   This sytem is not live in the uk…yet. Many people from MP’s, MEP’s, The Lords and thousands of people on many websites are fighting for your internet privacy on this matter. Come and join the fight. Google ‘phorm webwise’ and you’ll find us. Reply

3. revrob Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 9:31 am | Link to this

   I am a BT customer and I can categorically state that BT are NOT yet using this technology. They have carried out secret illegal trials in 2006 and 2007, and they are planning to carry out further trials (much delayed and currently due to start prior to 26th May - about the third or fourth date they have announced) but there is NO evidence that any of the three ISP’s you name are currently using the despicable Webwise software designed by ex-spyware producers Phorm/121Media, the people responsible for PeopleonPage and also for rootkits. There are vigorous campaigns going on to prevent this technology being implemented and while your report is welcome, it needs to be accurate. For further information try here http://www.inphormationdesk.org/ and then follow the links. Reply

4. PA Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 1:57 pm | Link to this

   BT appear to be the only ISP who are so far down the line with this that they feel compelled to push on regardless. However, even they may have hit a brick wall. Read the post by BTInsider on the BadPhorm forum: http://www.badphorm.co.uk/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?5226.0#post_5235 Reply

5. Mick Meaney Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 2:16 pm | Link to this

   It has been reported that Phorm IS in use, see: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/29/phorm_documents/ http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/mar/06/internet.privacy http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/07/phorms-all-seeing-parasite-cookie/ http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/29/phorm_roundup/ Reply

6. Mark Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 2:18 pm | Link to this

   I suggest your revenue estimates for BT are now wide of the mark. This figure was based on ‘implementation by stealth’ with all users included by default. Clearly the covert nature has been blown and the Information Commissioner now insists on an opt-in with informed consent. BT won’t make a fraction of the figure you publish. Reply

7. Mick Meaney Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 2:24 pm | Link to this

   If they are making it an opt-in, then yes I agree they will not make anywhere near that amount. Afterall who would opt-in for this? Reply

8. Sul Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 2:26 pm | Link to this

   All you people have to do is search for phorm and you’ll find loads of information about it from good sources, the article is correct all you have to do is research it and stop listening to BT. Reply

9. peter white Posted: May 15th, 2008 at 2:32 pm | Link to this

   how many opt-in depends on the spin and lies and how little real detail of just how intrusive the product is, presented for the users to make the “informed choice” if the full details of what the system can see and use then nobody in there right mind will opt-in also look at http://blog.iwr.co.uk/2008/05/behaviour-model.html this seems to detail the possible planned mission creap of phorm / webwise from serving adverts to serving / meddling with actual content Reply