Comments on: Your Privacy for Sale: Internet Providers Cash In

By: peter white

peter white — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:32:09 +0000

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.htm... this seems to detail the possible planned mission creap of phorm / webwise from serving adverts to serving / meddling with actual content

By: Sul

Sul — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:26:50 +0000

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.

By: Mick Meaney

Mick Meaney — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:24:08 +0000

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?

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:18:08 +0000

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.

By: Mick Meaney

Mick Meaney — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:16:57 +0000

It has been reported that Phorm IS in use, see: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/29/phorm_doc... http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/mar/06/... http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/07/phorms-a... http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/29/phorm_rou...

By: PA

PA — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:57:10 +0000

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/foru...

By: revrob

revrob — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:31:03 +0000

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.

By: Richard Head

Richard Head — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:36:52 +0000

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.

By: Jelv

Jelv — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:15:02 +0000

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.