Should you be concerned about the security and privacy of the data on your computer/laptop and just in case you're a customer of British Telecom Retail, Virgin Media or Carphone Warehouse TalkTalk, you might want to take a look at this (from the ever-reliable SpyBlog), this and this (from The Register).
Even for those aren't especially techie-minded (including me), it is plain that the design of the Phorm web advertising scheme is no more than 'spy-ware', pretty sophisticated but 'spy-ware' nonetheless. At a pinch one could argue (just about) - as BT seem to be - that it is moot as to whether or not these Phorm-based schemes breach the provisions of RIPA. But, I reckon they're skating on decidedly thin legal ice here; for sure, if I were a BT lawyer, I'd be nervous about turning up in court trying to sustain such a position.
Obviously I can't speak for anyone else but it does strike me as the most abominable cheek that, just as we are justifiably fuming about the Government's utter contempt for and cavalier attitude about the security and privacy of our data, along come BT, Virgin, and Carphone Warehouse with this mendacious wheeze that demonstrates precisely the same sort of mind-set. Of course, this is in fact a major part of the problem. Because the Government is so contemptuous and cavalier about looking after our data, the private sector begins to think it can behave in the same way: a case almost of monkey is as monkey does. And that makes it all the more imperative that action be taken across the whole of Government to sort this out as a matter of urgency.
Will they do so?
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