BT WEBWISE: What's it about?

[#1]

Probably picked up one of these posts
http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=newsite&Number=3495001
http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=plusnet&Number=3494941

[#2]

I thought the last paragraph of the El Reg article said it all:

Quote

The incident appears to be isolated, but it once again highlights concerns about BT and Phorm's claims for the security of their interception technology, and their ability to operate it to specification.

Quote

When will you be trialling BT Webwise? BT is commencing trials of BT Webwise on 30th September 2008. We will be inviting a small proportion of BT's consumer broadband customers to take part in the trial. The trial involves only BT Retail consumer broadband customers; it does not involve customers of BT Business, BT Ireland or other BT-owned ISPs, such as PlusNet.

"Oops, we made a technical error and Plusnet users were included."

Quote

# BT Webwise does not collect or store any personally identifiable information. # BT Webwise ensures users' browsing remains anonymous by using a random-number cookie to link to each computer. # BT Webwise doesn't keep records of individual websites that you visit or what you were doing on the web.

Given the level of incompetence BT/Phorm have exhibited today (they couldn't manage to exclude plusdsl2.net in spite of the concerns flagged up about this in the past), can we really trust those statements from BT regarding privacy?

[#3]

Quote from: Oldjim

Probably picked up one of these posts http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=newsite&Number=3495001 http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=plusnet&Number=3494941

There could of been another reason they found out about it.

[#4]

"You may think that I couldn't possibly comment" 

[#5]

Quote from: Gel

Screenshot posted http://www.peasemore.plus.com/BTwebwise.pdf

if you want to past a PDF, the better way is to use the Addtional Options and then add it the same way as a picture

[#6]

To be fair, I can't actually recall Plusnet saying that the RIN Triallists would *not* be affected.
After a cursory search, I found this:

Quote from: Jameseh

Hi Jelv, It is our understanding that RIN customers will be affected by this. We're currently collectng further details and we're currently drafting an email to advise those customers of what this can mean for them and giving information on how to rejoin the PlusNet network.

So, is there further communication that didn't happen in the public fora that I missed?
B.

[#7]

The second quote at the top of this page was from BT.
Let's get this clear, it's BT that has screwed up royally, Plusnet have responded very creditably, but they are to a certain extent at the mercy of BT.
I guess there's been some pretty strong language directed at BT by Plusnet today!

[#8]

Absolutely right, jelv.
This has been a BT SNAFU and PN have responded as quickly as is reasonable after they were alerted.
IIRC problems for PN RIN customers were first highlighted by Dephormation's blocking of BT subscribers.

[#9]

I have been a customer of Plusnet for approx. 10 years and with a few notable exceptions they have always provided a good service. This incident with BT Webwise somewhat undermines my confidence in Plusnet's previous statements that they don't use Phorm's systems on its network.
I just want to add my voice to the many others that are against Phorm (and like systems) and what it represents. If Plusnet ever do decide to implement such a system then they will be losing my custom.

[#10]

Hi sotar,
I think the post made by Pete here should help to put your mind at rest.

[#11]

Thanks for your reply Chris.
I had read that comment and while it did ease my mind somewhat I would be happier if it had stated Plusnet would not be involved with BT Webwise (and Phorm) full-stop rather than emphasizing the 'trial'.
One other point the comment highlighted was that we could change our connection setting to <username>"@plusdsl.net to point to Plusnet Centrals. My configuration connects to <username>@plus.net. Does this avoid the RIN network and/or keep my web traffic away from BT?

[#12]

Hiya,
Here's a quote from Neil Armstrong:

Quote

Plusnet customers using RIN should not normally see the BT Webwise invitation screen or be able to join the BT Webwise trial. This case is believed to have been due to a configuration error which we acted on as soon as we were made aware of it. BT and Plusnet have confirmed that no further Plusnet customers should be presented with the BT Webwise screen, and Plusnet customers' web traffic will not form any part of BT Webwise trial.

If you used to connect with username@plus.net then that should still work.  It's just an older variant of username@plusdsl.net

[#13]

Quote from: sotar

My configuration connects to <username>@plus.net. Does this avoid the RIN network and/or keep my web traffic away from BT?

Yes,, it was only those taking part in the retail network (RIN) trial that were using the @plusdsl2.net connection 'realm'.  Unless you are using @plusdsl2.net (note the '2') then you are connecting on the Plusnet Centrals and are going nowhere near RIN.

[#14]

What is RIN? 

[#15]

Retail Internet Network? All I know is that it was a trial that began a good while ago (I think it started prior to March 2007 as it was mentioned at the open day). I am sure that someone will be along to explain more thoroughly.
Slightly off topic so I know that I am being naughty but Peter - what is the origin of your Force9 avitar? I can't remember seeing it on the portal before, although I know that you have been around a very long time!