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The British Government has been involved in the past few weeks in trying to justify the stand it had taken regarding its role in the Phorm trials. The government had been publicly accused by the European Commission, way back in 2006, of not being able to protect the privacy of its citizens.

Broadband Genie reported in April 2009 that the British government might be taken to court on account of inaction in the trials. The Commission has established that the second stage of legal action is underway, and the UK may be compelled to answer to the court if it does not satisfactorily address the criticism levelled against it. Hence, a change in the UK’s law may be in the offing.

Viviane Reding, Telecom Commissioner for the European Union (EU) said regarding the decision that security of people’s personal data and their privacy in the digital world is of utmost importance and also a fundamental right under the protection of European Law.

While it was said by the UK government that it was satisfied with the Phorm trial, the detractors stated that it was unfair for the BT broadband subscribers to have been involved in the trial without the option to back out.

The Commission has sent a detailed letter to the United Kingdom and has given the government an ultimatum of two months to answer satisfactorily. A Home Office spokesman said that the government is concerned about the securing users’ privacy and digital data. He added that a reply to the Commission’s letter would be sent soon.

Filed at 9:04 am under Consumers' Mart, Tech Specs, Telecommunication + More
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