Digital Privacy
28 Apr 2009 Jim Killock Privacy
Phorm and the Home Office: cold comfort to citizens
You’ll probably have read today that leaked emails have shown that the Home Office worked with Phorm to offer advice that would give “comfort” to their investors. We condemn this approach to law enforcement: the Home Office’s job is to uphold the law: not to reinterpret it for commercial interests.
It is extraordinary, when compared to the blatant disregard Phorm has shown towards UK laws in its secret trials, that such a lax attitude can be shown.
This revelation is yet another reason why major websites should make a stand for the rule of law and exercise their right to block Phorm from their websites.
Meanwhile, in what feels like a deliberate attempt to distract from the leaked emails, Phorm have launched a rather desperate attack on a range of activists, some of whom are simply private citizens. If Phorm wish to attack us – they can go ahead, as we are an open and accountable organisation.
Attacking individuals for letter writing is however in practical terms an attempt to intimidate and is not the action of a responsible company, especially one that claims to respect privacy rights.
Although we are of course extremely flattered that Phorm see the Open Rights Group as a threat, we feel that when a multi-million pound company finds itself needing to launch attacks against campaign groups, it is likely that it is in deep trouble.
For the record, it should be no surprise that FIPR and ORG have close links: we are part of the same movement to make sure the digital age delivers benefits to citizens, and that our human and legal rights are built in to new technologies.
Phorm really ought to be picking on someone their own size: perhaps Commissioner Reding, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, or Amazon and Wikipedia, all of whom have stood up to defend privacy rights against Phorm.
Meanwhile, we urge you to write to major companies asking them to block Phorm. Phorm are an increasing reputational risk to internet businesses: they need to reassure customers and opt out. Find a list of contacts for major sites here.
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