Cable Forum - View Single Post - Virgin Media Phorm Webwise Adverts [Updated: See Post No. 1, 77, 102 & 797]

CaptJamieHunter · 17-04-2008, 10:36

Good morning all.

Found a reply from the Earl Of Northesk in my mailbox this morning.

"Dear CaptHunter,

My thanks for the attached.

You are correct in your assessment that, as a regular reader of The Register, I am acutely aware of the issues surrounding Phorm and the use by BT and others of their 'Webwise' software product - and am as appalled as your good self as to the apparent breaches of the DPA and the RIPA that they imply. (I would add that it may also be that the software breaches the Computer Misuse Act.) I currently have a question for written answer on the matter awaiting a response from the Home Office. And, if I may say so, your e-mail provides me with fertile material to scrutinise the issue with even more depth and diligence, albeit that I am currently overseas and so a little constrained.

I am uncertain as to how much reassurance it may offer you but, as I have done for some ten years now, I intend to continue to prosecute the case for individual data security and privacy as strenuously as I can. As to the specifics of the Phorm case, it strikes me that the actions of BT (specifically the 'secret' profiling and interception of their customers' data) may well constitute a criminal offence (in respect of RIPA and CMA). To that extent it is conceivable that any aggrieved subscriber could refer the matter to the police for investigation - although, as you will be only too well aware, the police's resources in this area are abject.

Once again my thanks for taking the trouble to e-mail me and please do not hesitate to contact me again re your concerns and/or to alert me to any additional information.

Yours &c.,

Northesk"

17-04-2008, 10:36	#3767
CaptJamieHunter Inactive Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 234	Re: Virgin Media Phorm Webwise Adverts [Updated: See Post No. 1, 77, 102 & 797] Good morning all. Found a reply from the Earl Of Northesk in my mailbox this morning. "Dear CaptHunter, My thanks for the attached. You are correct in your assessment that, as a regular reader of The Register, I am acutely aware of the issues surrounding Phorm and the use by BT and others of their 'Webwise' software product - and am as appalled as your good self as to the apparent breaches of the DPA and the RIPA that they imply. (I would add that it may also be that the software breaches the Computer Misuse Act.) I currently have a question for written answer on the matter awaiting a response from the Home Office. And, if I may say so, your e-mail provides me with fertile material to scrutinise the issue with even more depth and diligence, albeit that I am currently overseas and so a little constrained. I am uncertain as to how much reassurance it may offer you but, as I have done for some ten years now, I intend to continue to prosecute the case for individual data security and privacy as strenuously as I can. As to the specifics of the Phorm case, it strikes me that the actions of BT (specifically the 'secret' profiling and interception of their customers' data) may well constitute a criminal offence (in respect of RIPA and CMA). To that extent it is conceivable that any aggrieved subscriber could refer the matter to the police for investigation - although, as you will be only too well aware, the police's resources in this area are abject. Once again my thanks for taking the trouble to e-mail me and please do not hesitate to contact me again re your concerns and/or to alert me to any additional information. Yours &c., Northesk"