What is Phorm anyway?
Phorm is a system that intercepts internet traffic, analyses what sites the user is visiting and then prepares suitable advertising to display.
Why is Phorm bad?
Mostly because Phorm build up a unique browsing history of the last 14 days for each user. Whilst they claim not to link this to any personal data (such as IP address) they will be able to capture things like email addresses and usernames used on forums.
So does that mean that Phorm is intercepting my web browsing? Isn't that against privacy laws and in breach of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000?
Phorm are quick to point out that they have had legal advice about whether their system breaks RIPA after reports in the press comments from security experts but it'll take some form of legal action to clarify that one. It might be worth aking the Information Commissioner for guidance on that :).
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