More answers from a BT manager. As the person in question is now going on holiday, no more answers for a while! (unless I can provoke someone else or head back upstairs to the CEO's penthouse!)
The questions are somewhat edited, but I've left their version of the question for clarity. These are official management level BT responses.
The good thing is that having got someone's attention, I have been given answers and courteous replies for which I am grateful. The content of the replies may still be very very unsatisfactory, but I am getting responses. I'm grateful for small mercies.
(beginning of BT quote)
1. Website cookie forging by Webwise/Phorm remains murky and unexplained by Phorm - who gave anyone permission to forge a cookie purporting to come from one of my registered domains? I withhold consent for BT/Phorm to use the domain names of my sites within any cookie set by Webwise.
A: Webwise cookies are clearly associated with the Webwise service. Where a website uses cookies, we prefix the Webwise UID (unique ID, a random number) to a cookie coming from the website. It is clear in this cookie at what point the Webwise UID starts and the domain cookie stops (and vice versa). Where cookies are not used by a website, only the Webwise UID is placed into a new cookie which will be associated with the domain of the website being visited. In both cases, the Webwise UID element of the cookie is clearly labelled so as to be associated with the Webwise service.
2. In response to your question this week - whether or not you are liable to prosecution if you visit websites like Amazon etc....
A: Any user who has consented to taking the BT Webwise service will not make any unauthorised use of a website as a result of taking the Webwise service. BT has carefully considered the privacy and legal issues arising from the BT Webwise service and we are confident that operating the service does not lead to issues for our users in this regard.
3. In response to your question yesterday regarding the legality of Webwise/Phorm following the publication of the latest FIPR report and the forthcoming trial dates.....
BT and Phorm have sought extensive legal advice over the last two years and been in regular contact with both the ICO and Home Office. I am sure you have seen their recent statements also. We have also reviewed the FIPR report. BT is, of course, aware of the legal requirements regarding interception of communications under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. We consider that the steps we are taking will meet the legal requirements of RIPA and also ensure that customers are able to take a fully informed decision as to whether to take the service (it will be optional and customers will have a clear choice). Furthermore we are confident that Webwise/our approach conforms with other relevant UK laws.
We will commence trialling BT Webwise shortly and have committed to providing at least 24 hours notice prior to commencing the trial. We will do this via the BT forums etc.. Rest assured it is not unusual for trial/launch dates to change..... (end BT quote)
I think that does not add anything much - it all basically reads to me like - "we know what we are doing and its legal so there!"
The cookie answer leaves me somewhat speechless. I hope this person never finds my credit card or cheque book in the street - they may feel they can write my signature on the cheques and use them in the few shops that still take such things. Maybe they would clone my credit card, stick a Webwise logo on it and use it to buy things! If they say that is legal, it must be!
I suppose its now time to examine cookies from a variety of organisations to see how obvious it is where they come from. I'll start with BT.
And the one good bit - I can now access Webwise FAQ without going to webwise.bt.com.
It is interesting to see BT being responsive - I've never ever experienced this level of responsiveness from senior management - usually its one emollient email promising the earth and then back to the normal business of ignoring us and leaving us to the mercy of the outsourced drones - they must be really really rattled.
(Recommence BT quote here)
Finally we have been working on the Webwise FAQ information on bt.com. It is a work in progress at the moment and there will be further changes to it between now and the trial but for the time being you can access the information via the URL
http://www.productsandservices.bt.co...=CON-WEBWISE-I
End of BT quote
I recommend the experts here to browse the BT Webwise FAQ. It has some gems - for example
Q - Will this disrupt my service or make browsing slower?
A- No. BT Webwise is run from BT's networks, so it won't disrupt your service or make it slower.
Note that - not even 1% of people will be affected. Just a straight NO
I love it. If BT were the ministry of Transport...
Q - Will the three lanes of roadworks on the M25 and the closure and diversion between Junctions 23 and 27 during June, July and August, affect my commuting journey?
A- No, it won't disrupt your journey or make it slower.
Bye.