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This is one of those things you would like to think is only a possibility, but “they wouldn’t, they couldn’t really be doing that…”
Well it seems it has come out that 3 major ISP’s in Britain are dealing with a company that has been previously linked to spyware. Phorm is the old 121media company that brought out the PeopleOnPage toolbar. This bar would let you know who else was visiting the page that used the bar and give you the ability to chat with them. No big deal, except since they knew where you were, they started using that data to serve up target ads to you. This is flat out - harvesting your surfing habits and targeting you for ads.
If ISP’s are starting to ink deals with companies who can collect your browsing information and serve up ads to you: Your privacy is at RISK! This is not some simple doubleclick cookie either, it is full out interception and snatching of your information. See this story to read how they plan to “tap your internet connection”.
Before you think, well I am not in
Companies that do the reporting make the most money off of advertising.
The
If this is done for advertising, what else is it done for?
For more information on the Phorm harvesting, check out The Registers roundup on the “Phorm Files”.
Everyone needs security software to block viruses, spyware, adware etc, but how can you protect your privacy from your ISP? If your ISP practices this in any form or has any relation to companies that do this: it is time to find a new ISP! If enough people leave and state this reason, perhaps the ISP’s will stop this sort of thing.
Privacy should NOT be for sale…
Phorm related articles on BBC:
Phorm ‘illegal’ says policy group
Web creator rejects net tracking
Phorm: Your questions answered
The amount of discussion is growing; you need to keep informed and judge for yourself.
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March 10th, 2008 at 8:45 am
As if it isn’t bad enough that we have to worry about viruses, worms, Identity theft and hackers; now even our own ISPs may be helping others to spy on us!
It is good that some people keep on top of reports like this and share the information with the rest of us. Thanks for this information.
almcf