EU Sues UK Over Phorm Tracking of Users' Web-Surfing
Saying that use of controversial tracking software created by a British company apparently violated Internet users’ privacy rights, the European Union has sued the United Kingdom government for allegedly failing to do enough to protect its citizens.
The EU is calling on the country to revise its laws to strengthen consumer protections against the Phorm software used, at one point, without individuals’ individual permission to help tailor advertising to individual Web-surfing habits, according to the London Times.
The Phorm trials at issue in the case were apparently conducted in 2006 and 2007 without user consent by the BT service provider, according to the London Times and the New York Times.
“Technologies such as Internet behavioral advertising can be useful for businesses and consumers but they must be used in a way that complies with EU rules,” says Viviane Reding, the European Union’s Commissioner for Information Society and Media. “These rules are there to protect the privacy of citizens and must be rigorously enforced by all member states.”
Under “crystal clear” European privacy rules, consent is required to use an individual’s personal information, Reding says.
Related coverage:
BBC: “Phorm eyes launch after hard year “
The Register: “Web giants urged to bar Phorm”
Wall Street Journal: “EU Legal Action Over Phorm Won’t Impact Co Plans “
