[Valerie]

Phorm has made it into the latest issue of Which? but they don't appear to have understood the issues, pointing us to webwise to switch it off! I've emailed them (below) - not a very complete letter as I'm not sure I understand ripa and dpi etc - so maybe some of you with better minds could write to them as well letters@which.co.uk


"Dear Which?

I was glad to see that concern over Phorm and internet privacy made your ‘Consumer News’ section (May 2008) – however your ‘take action’ box which says we can switch Phorm off makes me concerned that you might not have fully understood what is being proposed.

I am not a computer or legal expert but my understanding of the system is that once active all my ISP traffic would be routed through the Phorm system. Opting out would place a cookie on my computer so that adverts from analysis of my web use would not appear. The problems here are:

a) all my ISP traffic would continue to route through the Phorm system – I will not be able to opt out of this
b) although we are told only general categories of web pages are stored every page I visit would be ‘read’ by Phorm
c) when my security software deletes cookies I would need to opt out again

There are many forums discussing this issue – a very good one can be found here http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/12/33628733-virgin-media-phorm-webwise-adverts-updated.html which gives great detail on the legal ramifications and privacy concerns and will explain things much better than I can!

I hope Which? as a consumer champion will look further into the Phorm issue as I and many other people have very grave concerns regarding our internet privacy being taken away. I have posted this letter on the Cableforum thread and hope you will give permission for me to post your reply.

Many thanks"