European Commission Seeks UK Government’s Reply over BT Phorm Trials
The British Government has received a setback in the Phorm case with the European Commission publicly accusing it of failing to ensure its citizens’ privacy rights in 2006.
Speculation was rife last April that the
Taking about the decision, the European Union (EU) Telecoms Commissioner, Viviane Reding, said the privacy of people and the integrity of their personal information is not only an important matter but is also a fundamental right guaranteed under European law.
The British Government’s stand that it was satisfied with the manner in which the Phorm trial was being conducted has left many of its citizens dissatisfied. Critics point out that the idea of making BT customers a part of the broadband internet trials without consulting them was not fair.
The Commission has now written to the Government seeking a reply, which must be given within two months. Commenting on this development a Home Office spokesperson said the UK Government was devoted to maintaining its digital users’ right to privacy and the safety of their personal data. The spokesperson added that the Commission’s letter was under consideration and a reply would be given in due course.