Although BT has strenuously denied that its trials were illegal, Hanff is convinced that they were. On Wednesday, Hanff handed a case file to the City of London Police station in Wood Street, detailing instances where he believes BT broke the law.
"I can't guarantee that BT will be prosecuted," said Hanff. "It's been a nightmare to get anyone to have a look. The police have been saying it's a matter for the Home Office; the Home Office said it was for the police."
Hanff believes BT contravened several laws, including the Computer Misuse Act; the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act; the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act; and the Data Protection Act. Hanff said he also believes BT contravened the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.
The police are currently in the process of reviewing Hanff's file.
Talkback
While not wishing to comment on the specifics, it's sad that we now live in a world when the leaders of industry and government play so loose with truth, honesty, integrity and moral values. What an example to the rest of society!
Phorm is so obviously despicable to any right thinking person and is only the thin edge of the wedge unless we can stop this creeping disease.
Similarly, BT's trials (and 'fibs' when queried about unexplained activity) are also so obviously illegal, despite all the statements to the contrary, not to mention a massive breach of trust with their customers.
As with all other undesirable Internet activities, I have to ask where are the duly constituted authorities (Police, Courts, CPA, etc.) and what are they doing?
As for Parliament, they seem to find it easier to harass the general population rather than deal with real issues. However, I believe they do not wish to oppose Phorm in principle for their own reason, i.e. government snooping using this or similar technology.