[warescouse]

Originally Posted by Peter N

It's important for people to realise that this is not just a BT issue.

BT is just the main focus of many of the discussions because they are known to have have conducted secret trials of Webwise and have publicly announced - albeit under pressure - that they plan to use this system.

From an ISPs point of view this is potentially a big money maker and if it goes ahead all of the other ISPs will effectively have to join in or close down.

Even if they didn't it will still affect you because Phorm and BT will be reading and processing everything that you send or receive to any BT customers. BT have not said that they won't use this information to profile and target other ISPs customer but you should read this article from the BBC which reports that BT have already identified and targetted Tiscali customers and are likely to be sued for this behaviour.

If you wouldn't want your postman to open and read your letters then you need to join the fight to stop ISPs from being allowed to open and read your internet data.

Personally I don't think it is a great money spinner if customers have the legal opt in choice as instructed by the ICO. That is why Phorm craftily had it originally (illegally) as opt out as the only choice as default. We have to ensure that if it ever does see light of day customers are fully aware of what happens if they opt in and the implications on their privacy. We should also ensure that they know that under the current model of operation their data is intercepted opt in or opt out so they can vote with their feet should they wish to do so.