header-logo header-logo

Tracking on trial

07 May 2009 / Donald Cran
Issue: 7368 / Categories: Features , Data protection
printer mail-detail

Donald Cran reviews recent privacy developments arising out of ISPs' use of Phorm

The European Commission (EC) has begun infringement proceedings against the UK for failure to implement properly the EU Directive on protection of personal data. The action follows complaints that UK internet service providers had trialled behavioural advertising technology developed by Phorm, Inc. without users' knowledge or consent.

Phorm technology analyses site visits by internet users to determine their interests, and then delivers targeted advertising to those users when they visit certain websites.

Such advertising may benefit both vendors and customers by better matching the former's products with the latter's needs. However, its use in the UK must comply with:

      
      ●     The Data Protection Act 1998, implementing the EU Data Protection Directive 95/46/EC; and

      
      ●     The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/2426), implementing the EU Privacy and Electronic Communication Directive 2002/58/EC on processing of personal data and protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector.

Monitoring or interception

Monitoring or interception of communications in the

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Birketts—trainee cohort

Birketts—trainee cohort

Firm welcomes new cohort of 29 trainee solicitors for 2025

Keoghs—four appointments

Keoghs—four appointments

Four partner hires expand legal expertise in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Brabners—Ben Lamb

Real estate team in Yorkshire welcomes new partner

NEWS
Robert Taylor of 360 Law Services warns in this week's NLJ that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) risks entrenching disadvantage for SME law firms, unless tools are tailored to their needs
From oligarchs to cosmetic clinics, strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) target journalists, activists and ordinary citizens with intimidating legal tactics. Writing in NLJ this week, Sadie Whittam of Lancaster University explores the weaponisation of litigation to silence critics
Delays and dysfunction continue to mount in the county court, as revealed in a scathing Justice Committee report and under discussion this week by NLJ columnist Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School. Bulk claims—especially from private parking firms—are overwhelming the system, with 8,000 cases filed weekly
Writing in NLJ this week, Thomas Rothwell and Kavish Shah of Falcon Chambers unpack the surprise inclusion of a ban on upwards-only rent reviews in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill
Charles Pigott of Mills & Reeve charts the turbulent progress of the Employment Rights Bill through the House of Lords, in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll