BT to introduce Phorm web monitoring tool

The news that BT expects to deploy the controversial Webwise web monitoring technology has reignited privacy concerns.

Cambridge University privacy expert Dr Richard Clayton said BT's announcement was "disappointing news" because the technology breaches the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

“This technology is clearly unlawful. Our concern has always been in the way it intercepts people’s data without needing permission. This is a clear breach of RIPA," he said.

The use of Webwise, developed by technology company Phorm, has been hugely controversial. The software is used to track people’s surfing habits to deliver advertising. But privacy campaigners are alarmed and say it is essentially snooping on web users' surfing habits. It has been closely scrutinised by privacy campaigners, Parliament, the European Union and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

BT was severely critcised for running secret trials of the software earlier. Then in September it again ran trials, but announced them this time.

In a statement it said: "The trial has now concluded and achieved its primary objective of testing all the elements necessary for a larger deployment, including the serving of small volumes of targeting advertising.

“There will now be a period of joint analysis of the results. Following successful completion of analysis of both the trial results and of any changes required for expansion, BT's expectation is to move towards deployment."

However, the internet service provider (ISP) said it would not comment on when this would happen or if it would be an opt-in measure.

Dr Clayton warned that if it went ahead without offering it as an opt-in measure it risked investigation by the ICO.

“BT should also remember the letter sent by the Information Commissioner, which clearly states his belief that under the Data Protection Act, using this technology must be on an opt-in basis,” he told Computeractive.

Three other internet service providers, Virgin Media, TalkTalk and Orange, have also been considering using Webwise.

Virgin said despite BT’s comment its position has not changed. “Although we are interested in seeing BT’s results, our position has not changed. We have not run trials and are still investigating the technology and its implications,” a representative told us.