Digital Privacy

BT’s decision to ditch Phorm is a victory for privacy

It is reported this morning that BT has dropped Phorm’s Webwise, the controversial behavioural advertising system that profiles internet users based on a reading of their internet traffic.

The invasive system has faced mounting opposition from regulators and campaigners, including Open Rights Group, for failing to require consent before profiling users, particularly as part of secret trials conducted in 2007.

Open Rights Group welcomes BT’s decision and hopes other UK ISPs, particularly Virgin Media and TalkTalk, will follow their lead. This is the right decision for BT and other online providers who respect privacy.

Phorm will remain a threat to our fundamental rights while they offer services that intercept communications without the consent of all parties.