How would you like it if someone opened all your mail & read it, then posted you junk mail based on what they've read? Dont like it? well its happening, not in your mail office but at least three ISPs are using a company called Phorm to track internet browsing habits, so now I have your attention read on..

These few ISPs are putting profits before the interest of their customers privacy & are selling Internet browsing habits to a marketing company called Phorm, formerly known as 121Media whos past origins were associated with spyware. Phorm is run by a Russian by the name of Kent Ertegrul ...

Their plan is , as you browse the web, they collect data and in return, send targeted adverts to your browser...

The ISPs involved include BT via 'Web Wise', Talk Talk & Virgin Media, and more may follow.

Talk Talk to be fair have an 'opt-in' policy regarding this as opposed to BTs offering which is presented under the shady disguise as 'Web Wise' however, we believe NO WORTHY ISP should consider any partnership with Phorm & the system is a breach of privacy.

According to this website Phorm gets to see absolutely everything in your browser window, the only exception is encrypted pages, according to them. So that includes your webmail as well according to the site. Weve been advising people not to use webmail for a long time, so for all those using BTs webmail, perhaps you may take notice now...

Well lets just say it loud and clear, thats one dam good reason if ever I saw one to run a mile from webmail & run a mile from any ISP that partakes in this misadventure into selling what should be private.

At least one policy group is claiming the acquisition of data in such a manner by Phorm is illegal, heres the legal stuff

We believe it is wrong to offer or sell private data in such a way & urge anyone with any sense to move away from any ISP associated with Phorm regardless of their opt in or opt out policy. BT lied to customers regarding secret trials carried out with Phorm, this certainly makes me feel they have something to hide. So whos to say that customers wont be lied to again?

Dont take our word for it, follow these links and decide:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/mar/06/internet.privacy

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/02/29/phorm_broadband_isp_targets

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7299875.stm

http://www.badphorm.co.uk/page.php?2

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/04/08/phorm_censors_wikipedia Phorm edits its own Wikipedia reference

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10/30/orange_wont_use_phorm Orange dumps Phorm

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/12/01/phorm_board Four directors leave Phorm - rats desert the sinking ship?

The Information Commission Office statement please contact them and express your concern

Thanks to all who signed the governments petition, over 15,000 intelligent web users signed & you can be one of them

Please also write to your MP and protest about this serious breech of privacy, it wont even cost you a stamp

Move ISP to contact BT on-line or call 0800 328 6738 request a Migration Authorisation Code MAC code and signup elsewhere - we find IDNet are very good

Finally, Phorm can be controlled to a small degree with the dephormation add on to Fire Fox another good reason to use Fire Fox

A very big NO to Phorm & any associated ISP and those considering it...

The opinions expressed here are personal and formed from several years in a wide variety of IT roles

This information is provided freely with no liability for loss or damage what so ever