Amazon opts out of Phorm behavioral ad targeting system |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
- Mobile payments: Tech titans move in, but consumers still trust banks
- Seattle ranks No. 1 in tech sector job growth
- Comcast follows Google and Intel, takes a hit on Clearwire deal
- Clearwire's stock tanks as Nokia exec calls WiMax a 'niche play'
- Handbag rental service Avelle cuts staff
- ITC sides with Microsoft in Motorola patent infringement case
Mass High Tech
Kindle News
- Seattle is nation's 13th most 'well-read' city, says Amazon
- Target confirms it will stop selling Kindle, other Amazon products
- U.S. sues Apple, book publishers for fixing e-book prices
- Publishing on the iPad: Displays, processors and licensing, oh my!
- Amazon's Kindle Fire eats into Apple's iPad tablet lead
Amazon opts out of Phorm behavioral ad targeting system
Amazon.com is pulling back from a behavioral online advertising system called Phorm that is generating controversy in Europe. The online retailer says it has contacted Webwise, which markets Phorm, "requesting that we opt for all our domains," said spokesman Craig Berman. Amazon's move comes after the European Commission launched legal action against the U.K. over Phorm trials.
Phorm is a "deep packet" technology that "tracks people's browsing habits via cookies and relays the information to the Internet service provider," PC World reports. British telecom giant BT tested the system in 2006 and 2007, sparking complaints that it failed to get user consent for the trials, according to reports. The European Commission subsequently started proceedings against Britain over data-protection laws.
Amazon's Berman did not give a timeline for Amazon's opt-out from Phorm. The London-based Open Rights Group last month sent an open letter to many of the major technology companies, including Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Amazon and eBay, encouraging them to opt out of Phorm.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Follow, like, and connect to a broader audience for your company!
The Puget Sound Business Journal announces Social Madness: A Corporate Social Media Challenge, presented by Capital One Spark Business. This a local and national challenge that will spotlight the best social media programs of companies in 43 cities. The local challenge begins (following the nomination period) on June 1, 2012. The promotion will culminate in a national bracket challenge that will crown Social Madness champions in 3 categories based on company size. To see the official rules, visit http://www.socialmadness.com/rules.
For more information on how your company can participate, visit the nomination page here. Nominations are due May 15th.
BizDev Seminar Series - Leadership: Rallying People to a Brighter Future
Join us for this one-of-a-kind seminar series where you hear directly from the experts about hot topics to grow your business.
The skills to be effective as a leader can be learned. What are the skills and attributes needed to be effective top leaders? How do you tell what level your people are at, and what development skills each person needs? Workshop attendees will learn the answers to these questions and more.
Tuesday, May 17, 2012
8:30am - 10:30am
The Harbor Club, Seattle
Register here.
