Google and Bebo to boycott Phorm?
An letter from the Open Rights Group may have convinced Google and Bebo to boycott Phorm software.


Google and Bebo are considering boycotting Phorm following a letter from the Open Rights Group asking for the companies' support.
The software tracks user activity online and then tailors adverts to their interests. The Open Rights Group said this invades user privacy.
The group sent an open letter last month to several large web firms requesting a boycott of the software. The Guardian has reported today that Google and Bebo are looking likely to join forces with the group and boycott as requested.
A Google spokesperson told IT PRO: "We are still considering the proposal and we will have more information on this soon."
A Bebo spokesperson stuck to a similar line and said: "We have received the letter and are giving it careful consideration from privacy and business perspectives."
Jim Killock, executive director of the Open Rights Group and one of the letter's signees, said: "We strongly hope that Bebo, Google and others act to protect their customers' privacy. This isn't just about Phorm - it's the principle that third party systems shouldn't snoop on customer data without permission. These companies need to draw a clear line."
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Jennifer Scott is a former freelance journalist and currently political reporter for Sky News. She has a varied writing history, having started her career at Dennis Publishing, working in various roles across its business technology titles, including ITPro. Jennifer has specialised in a number of areas over the years and has produced a wealth of content for ITPro, focusing largely on data storage, networking, cloud computing, and telecommunications.
Most recently Jennifer has turned her skills to the political sphere and broadcast journalism, where she has worked for the BBC as a political reporter, before moving to Sky News.
-
Dell Technologies Global Partner Summit 2025 – all the news and updates live from Las Vegas
Keep up to date with all the news and announcements from the annual Dell Technologies Global Partner Summit in Las Vegas
-
Jensen Huang joins Dell Technologies World virtually to talk servers and AI factories
Nvidia CEO virtually joined Michael Dell for the opening keynote of the 2025 conference to talk through a host of AI and server announcements
-
What is your digital footprint?
In-depth Your digital footprint is always growing – so we explore how you can keep it under control
-
Nine top GDPR tips for email marketing strategies
In-depth It's not all doom and gloom – here's how you can make GDPR work for you
-
Why GDPR creates a "vicious circle" for marketers
News Customers will control the forthcoming trust economy, predicts Aprimo
-
Facebook will allow adverts to target users based on beliefs
News The company will also give users opt-ins to use facial recognition to prevent impersonation
-
Tim Berners-Lee: How we can win back the web
News The public must reject misinformation and keep control of their own data
-
Social network users play fast and loose with data privacy
News Over-sharing puts users at risk of identity theft and fraud
-
UK government Facebook data requests grow 71%
News Only US and India ask for more user details from the social network
-
Virginia shooting - don't open that link!
Opinion Scammers and cyber criminals love to capitalise on tragedy, and we can't help but click