After all the toing and froing with Phorm and various opponents including the ICO it seems another solution is being made available to Internet users and it’s free!

Rather than blocking the Phorm cookie required by the service or even opting out it takes it to the next level of actually providing Phorm with completely erroronous data. Called AntiPhorm this software runs in the background and simulates natural web surfing activity but of course this isn’t want Phorm wants as it’s effectively feeding random data into their system!

So if Phorm decide to continue with their current opt out stance enough people installing this simple piece of software will be a decent spanner in their works. 

If Phorm is listening sort yourself out and change over to opt in - people are only going to resent, sue or try and sabotage your attempts. You might even be surprised how many people sign up for Phorm if it really provides such well targetted adverts as you claim.

Phorm are still putting their fingers in their and singing “la la la la la” when anyone mentions that their advertising shouldn’t be based on an opt out even when it’s the information commissioner.

Security companies have now jumped into the fray saying that the infamous Phorm cookie will be seen as Adware and blocked by default which means Phorm’s initial user base will be cut somewhat.

The main issue for me now is still the interception of data but as the ICO has passed the buck to the Home Office I can’t see a quick resolution. This one could run for some time yet!

I must say I’m shocked at the swiftness that the Information Commissioners Office (ICO)has responded to the Phorm system. The ICO has warned Phorm that the system must be opt in - something that a lot of people have been screaming for ages.

I’m a little worried about Phorm’s response which doesn’t recognise anything the ICO has said about being an opt in service - lets hope it’s just saving face rather than thinking of trying to run with it anyway.

There are still questions regarding data interception but I’m sure the pressure will be kept up and matters resolved. We might actually see a system that could be successful but go about getting the information the correct and ethical way.

Full ICO Phorm statement.

Not content at being a hugely ineffective, unaccountable, inefficient behemoth BT have now decided to break the law by monitoring 30,000 users without permission for a trial of the potential Phorm system! An alternative opinion on Phorm is here.

Personally I don’t have a massive problem with the idea behind the system if it means I get targeted adverts that I might actually be interested in. However there are still major questions about privacy and surely this should be an opt in system not just be rolled out for every user?

As for trialling without people’s permission - which planet are these people on? Hang em all!