Online privacy concerns need to be addressed

Many internet users are uncomfortable with the loss of privacy that is posed by online tracking and currently these concerns are not being addressed.

That is according to Becky Hogge, executive director of Open Rights Group, who said that not enough was being done to quell consumer fears in the wake of the controversy surrounding the use of the Phorm internet tracking service by BT.

This was conducted without the company´s customers being notified.

Ms Hogge went on to say that the issue had highlighted the fact that many internet users weren´t aware to what degree their privacy was being infringed upon.

She commented: "I don´t think the recent controversy has made people more aware - rather I think it has shown how aware people already are of their rights to privacy online.

"It is now up to respectable companies like BT, as well as the government, to respond to people´s concerns."

It was recently argued by the Foundation for Information Policy Research that Phorm, which analyses websites visited by internet users, is illegal.

© Adfero Ltd