PlusNet customer receives random Phorm invite

 

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Posted on 11 Nov 2008 at 09:55

A PlusNet customer has been invited to join the Phorm trial, despite the fact only BT Retail customers were supposed to be contacted.

PlusNet was bought by BT back in 2006, and is run as a separate entity, despite the fact that it offers broadband access through the BT retail network.

However PlusNet is not taking part in the Phorm trial, and none of its customers were meant to be contacted regarding its rollout.

A PlusNet spokesperson claimed the invite was sent out as the result of a configuration error: "PlusNet customers using RIN should not normally see the BT Webwise invitation screen or be able to join the BT Webwise trial. This case is believed to have been due to a configuration error, which we acted on as soon as we were made aware of it."

The company says no more customers will be contacted about the trial which is being conducted on thousands of BT Retail lines.

The Phorm behavioural advertising system has caused a great deal of controversy since its inception, with the Foundation for Information Policy Research branding it illegal, and a number of secret trials conducted by BT coming to light.