UK: gearing up for possible Phorm prosecution?
p2pnet news view Advertising | P2P:- Alex Hanff is determined DPI pirate Phorm should be brought to justice.
The UK government says it has no concerns over the fact the firm uses its privacy invasion tool Webwise, a DPI (deep packet inspection) application, to ferret around online for confidential user data so they can be resold to advertising companies, and/or companies working with them.
The European Commission expressed serious concerns over Webwise and Phorm Hanff launched an official criminal complaint to the City of London Police, p2pnet said recently.
But, “In a shocking correspondence from DS Barry Murray at City of London Police CID the police have stated they will not be commencing with a criminal investigation of BT and Phorm Inc.’s illegal, covert trials,” he said on NO DPI.
Now, “After nine months of campaigning for the prosecution of BT Group PLC and Phorm for intercepting over 100 million web communications in 2006/2007 for the purpose of behavioural advertising, the Crown Prosecution Service are now reviewing whether or not to take any action,” he tells p2pnet.
“It’s been a long fight which has seen commentary from the European Commission, respected academics, lawyers, UK government and the general public — we are now on the brink of finally seeing the UK government protect the Human Rights of the public.
“Now in a final push for prosecution it is imperative that the public send a clear message to the Crown Prosecution Service that action MUST be taken – to that end I am requesting a mass letter writing campaign to make it clear that this IS in the public’s interest.”
Meanwhile, “the European Commission is considering the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform’s response to its second letter asking for an explanation of why no action has been over the trial,” says The Register adding:
“A Brussels spokeswoman said the UK responded to the October 6 letter on November 13. The second EU letter contained ‘detailed questions on how the UK authorities have protected the privacy of UK citizens with regard to Phorm in the past, and how they intend to do so in the future,’ she said.
“The Commission is currently analysing the response.”
If the Commission believes authorities failed to enforce European privacy directives, it could bring a case against the UK at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, says the post.
Definitely stay tuned.
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expressed serious concerns – EC targets Phorm, May 27, 2008
criminal complaint – Very bad Phorm — ‘criminal actions’, August 15, 2008
p2pnet – UK government OKs Phorm privacy invasion, Septembver 22, 2008
The Register – Prosecutors gather evidence on secret BT-Phorm trials, November 27, 2008
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November 27th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
It’s time BT-Phorm were prosecuted.
November 27th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I think this does need to be brought before the courts, if BT were so sure they had used due dilligence when selecting a partner they wouldn’t be censoring customers on their own forums. They would be answering questions that customers post on forums, in emails or via the selected method according to the forum mods BT webwise page. To date none have been answered.
As aBT shareholder I would feel any payouts if this product is implemented would be like Judas sellig out for 30pieces of gold.
How can you expect customers to trust you with their personal data if you sell them out to advertisers for commercial gain.
If BT used good commercial business and reinvested into the network this wouldnt be needed any other private company would either sink or swim buy the quality of their business plan. It is already proved sell cheap leaves nothing to reinvest for future growth.