Phorm will place a server within the ISP network. This server uses a layer 7 switch, this switch allows deep packet inspection of all your web surfing. When you browse the internet, the websites and pages that you see are transferred to and from your PC in 'packets' of information, it is these 'packets' of information that are intercepted, inspected and profiled.
By inspecting the pages you visit, phorm can strip out information of interest and at the same time give you a unique identification number (UID) so that you can be identified each time you browse the internet. As you continue to browse further information from your surfing is added to your profile.
Questions and answers [first posted 19/2/2008]
From the outset Phorm wanted this system to be opt-out. i.e. you are profiled by default unless you opt-out.
If you opt-out you still get profiled, just the ads and anti-phishing is disabled. [first posted 6/3/2008]
Phorm say: reaserch suggests that customers want this. [first posted 6/2/2008] written by a PR company on behalf of Phorm.
Respected security, legal and privacy experts have checked out the phorm system (to the extent that they were allowed) and have concluded that the system is illegal in the uk as it breaks The data protection Act, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), P Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
Peter Sommer - this appears to be an interception under RIPA [first posted 4-3-2008]
Channel 4 news picks up the story [first posted 4/3/2008]
Virgin Media introduce a webpage about their version of Webwise [first posted 5/3/2008]
start of discussions with Phorm UK PR/Tech Team [first posted 6/3/2008]
The BBC pick up the story [first posted 7/3/2008]
you continue to be profiled even if opted out [first posted 8/3/2008]
How the story changes over time [first posted 8/3/2008]
Open Rights group questions phorm [first posted 12/3/2008]
80/20 interim PIA is published [first posted 18/3/2008]
80/20 Thinking DOES NOT endorse Phorm! [first posted 19/3/2008]
Alex from Phorm joins in discussions [first posted 4/4/2008]
Profiler and anonymiser discussion [first posted 6/4/2008]
Simon Davies of 80/20 Thinking joins the debate [first posted 10/4/2008]
ICO amends their misleading information [first posted 9/4/2008]
Ms Sanderson replies to Mr Hanff [foirst posted 14/4/2008]
Only up to page 220 of 560!