Further Phorm

According to this report from the Beeb, another analysis of Phorm has come to the conclusion that it is illegally accessing peoples’ data:

Technical analysis of the Phorm online advertising system has reinforced an expert’s view that it is “illegal”.

The analysis was done by Dr Richard Clayton, a computer security researcher at the University of Cambridge.

What Dr Clayton learned while quizzing Phorm about its system only convinced him that it breaks laws designed to limit unwarranted interception of data.

Indeed, every analysis I have seen so far has reached this conclusion. It doesn’t take a technical or legal analysis to determine that there is something highly unethical about intercepting peoples’ surfing habits – no matter what the reason behind it. The whole concept stinks like a barrel of rotting fish heads. Phorm, however, seek to justify their parasitic behaviour:

The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) was drafted in the earliest days of the internet. It is not designed to criminalise legitimate business activities – online targeted advertising is an accepted part of the internet landscape today.

Ah, so because the world has moved on, it’s okay to spy on people and not tell them about it, which is exactly what Phorm and BT did with their trials. No, it remains unethical and RIPA remains valid and intercepting peoples’ data is not legitimate business activity – it is criminal.

If people want to advertise their wares on their Internet sites, let them. We don’t need Phorm or any other slimy creeps spying on us in the process. Frankly, like many others, I don’t want to see adverts at all, so I block them. Nor am I prepared to be targeted – which is why I avoid surveys and ruthlessly delete tracking cookies. Where I go is my business – it is not a free for all for advertisers to shove their wares in my face.

I will also promptly sever any contract with my ISP if they even so much as enter talks with companies such as Phorm about doing this. Phorm are the nasty underbelly of the Internet and BT, Talk Talk and Virgin are doing themselves no favours by getting into bed with them.