"ensure that customers are able to take a fully informed decision"

In order for customers to make a "fully informed decision" BT need to give them -all- the facts which I simply cannot see them doing. There is no way BT will say on the portal page that this "service" contravenes RIPA, DPA, Human Rights, Trespass to Chattels and Computer Misuse Act.

Also there is no way BT are going to tell their customers about the dark history of the Phorm executives.

Furthermore, I don't expect they will tell their customers that even if they opt out all their browsing will still be sent to Phorm who simply "Promise" not to use it.

I definitely don't expect them to inform the customer that under EU anti spam laws BT are required to get people to opt in instead of opting them in by default and giving them the option to opt out (although the opt out option isn't really an opt out).

So "informed" decision? No fucking chance. There interpretation of RIPA is about as flawed as their interpretation of what they claim their customers want.

KICK THEM TO THE CURB

Finally, Chris Williams, could you please contact BT again and see if they are willing to admit that they already trialled this service last summer (illegally). I am seriously considering starting a class action against BT for the trials last summer even though I am not a BT customer.