BT under fire over 'spyware'

Published on Friday 4 April 2008 22:48

PRIVACY campaigners criticised BT yesterday after the telecoms giant admitted "spying" on its broadband customers.

The Open Rights Group said software BT used to track the web-browsing habits of 36,000 people was potentially illegal. The data watchdog, the Information Commissioner is now investigating, following a complaint.

BT said spyware software developed by US firm Phorm was trialled on customers during 2006 and 2007.

Users were randomly selected to be tested with the system on two separate occasions.

Those chosen had websites they visited logged, building up profiles of their internet habits. Such data can be used to target online advertising.

BT said legal advice was taken in advance of the tests.

In a statement it added: "None of the data was stored and it was completely anonymous. We have consulted the Home Office and the Information Commissioner for their views.

"Our customer research shows that lots of people would be keen to see advertisements that are relevant to their interests."

But Becky Hogge, the executive director of the Open Rights Group, said: "We have had a look at the technology and we believe it is potentially illegal under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

"This level of activity has never been tracked before for advertising purposes."