British Telecom & CPW shelve rollout of Phorm Webwise [update]

[icsys]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2...cy-and-the-net
• Controversial online technology is dumped
• Group behind system in talks with overseas firms

BT-
"We continue to believe the interest-based advertising category offers major benefits for consumers and publishers alike," said a spokesman for BT. "However, given our public commitment to developing next-generation broadband and television services in the UK we have decided to weigh up the balance of resources devoted to other opportunities.

"Given these commitments, we don't have immediate plans to deploy Webwise today. However, the interest-based advertising market is extremely dynamic and we intend to monitor Phorm's progress …before finalising our plans."

Phorm-
"It is not a great surprise to us, to be honest. It has been a long process and we have never had a definitive date on a launch," said a spokesman. "Phorm is not just dependent on a UK model with one ISP."

This year the company announced a trial of its technology with KT, South Korea's largest ISP, and another overseas deal is expected to be announced shortly.



Awaits Virgin Media announcement.........

[rogerdraig]

one bit of goodnews for the day then

[dannybear]

" Phorm shares fall as BT opts out "

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8135850.stm

They have taken abig hit becuase of BT, there shares fell major as well.

[Toto]

Also reported in the Reg.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/07/06/bt_phorm/

[dannybear]

I wounder if Virgin will do the same then. I do wounder.

[Sirius]

Well done BT

[Kursk]

Originally Posted by Sirius

Well done BT

Steady on. They didn't drop it because they wanted to they dropped it because they had to (but I know what you mean!) . Well done to all those who wouldn't put up with this webspy nonsense.

[Matt D]

And now Carphone Warehouse has ditched Phorm too

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle6652692.ece

Originally Posted by The Times Online

Phorm stranded as BT and Carphone pull plug on online ‘spying’ technology

Elizabeth Judge

The future of Phorm, the developer of controversial internet “spying” technology, looked increasingly uncertain last night after Carphone Warehouse joined the list of big-name clients shunning the service.

Shares in Phorm slid 192½p, or 40 per cent, yesterday to 282½p after BT pulled plans to use the service, which tracks internet users as they browse and sends specially tailored advertisements to their screens based on their personal tastes. The decision followed a barrage of attacks from privacy groups.

After BT’s move, Charles Dunstone, head of Carphone Warehouse, said: “We were only going to do it if BT did it and if the whole industry was doing it. We were not interested enough to do it on our own.”

Virgin is also reluctant, meaning that Phorm, whose non-executives include Lord Lamont, the former Chancellor, has lost Britain’s three biggest internet groups, prompting analysts to question its future.

(snip)

[Sirius]

Originally Posted by Matt D

And now Carphone Warehouse has ditched Phorm too

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/to...cle6652692.ece

Now lets hope Phorm go forth in short jerky movements and leave us alone for ever

[Florence]

Good news but one that has to be kept to which means public have to stay aware this could return, people ike Kent will continue to attempt to get this into the system or return to old ways and sneak it onto peoples computers.

What it has done is made a lot more people aware of how to secure their computers and learn more about cookies.

[Sirius]

I notice Phorm are still claiming that they are partnered with the 3 top isp's in the uk.

This from there website

Partner with Phorm

Phorm enables ISPs to play a pivotal role in the online advertising market while offering a better and safer browsing experience for their customers and fully protecting their privacy.

Current partners include BT, TalkTalk and Virgin Media - companies representing approximately 70% of the UK broadband ISP market.

What a bunch of lying gits.

[dannybear]

Looks like Talk Talk hows now also step back from it as well.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8140368.stm

[icsys]

Yes, TalkTalk are the only one of the 'big three' to 'terminate its contract' with Phorm, meaning that CPW and Phorm have parted company!

BT has shelved rollout of webwise indefinitely. Watch and wait.

Virgin Media on the other hand is still considering deployment.
rather a brave move if you ask me.

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Virgin Media Wednesday said it hasn't ruled out adopting controversial new online advertising technology, but said it would communicate openly with its customers before any decision is taken.

The firm said it hadn't yet decided whether to introduce the Webwise Discover online advertising technology system developed by Alternative Investment Market-listed Phorm Inc (PHRM.LN).

"We recognize some consumers have significant concerns about the potential implications of interest-based advertising for their privacy. Virgin Media is committed to ensuring that any future deployment complies not only with the relevant legal requirements but - as an absolute minimum - the best practice guidelines contained in the Internet Advertising Bureau's recently published code of practice," spokesman Vani Bassi said in a statement.
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-...08-708121.html

[broadbandking]

Originally Posted by Sirius

Now lets hope Phorm go forth in short jerky movements and leave us alone for ever

Phorm aint gone away yet Virgin haven't told us if they are going to use Phorm or drop Phorm yet, until I hear this I am keeping my eyes open for Phorm creeping in.

[Mick Fisher]

Originally Posted by icsys

LONDON (Dow Jones)--Virgin Media Wednesday said it hasn't ruled out adopting controversial new online advertising technology, but said it would communicate openly with its customers before any decision is taken.

Oh well....I suppose there has to be first time for everything.