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."
-
Should AI PCs be part of your next hardware refresh?AI PCs are fast becoming a business staple and a surefire way to future-proof your business
-
Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI launch brace of new channel initiativesNews Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI have announced the launch of two new channel growth initiatives focused on the managed security service provider (MSSP) space and AWS Marketplace.
-
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 strategiesIn-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 marketersNews Customers will control the forthcoming trust economy, predicts Aprimo
-
Facebook will allow adverts to target users based on beliefsNews The company will also give users opt-ins to use facial recognition to prevent impersonation
-
Tim Berners-Lee: How we can win back the webNews The public must reject misinformation and keep control of their own data
-
Social network users play fast and loose with data privacyNews 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
