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ISP Embarq Monitors User Traffic

Posted by Soulskill on from the you-can-trust-us dept.

Deli Korkmaz writes "The Washington Post reports that Sprint-Nextel spin-off Embarq, currently the US's fourth largest DSL provider, monitored Internet activity on some 26,000 customers in Kansas using deep-packet inspection technology NebuAd in order to deliver targeted advertising to users' desktops. CNet provides coverage as well. The House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce is investigating whether any privacy laws were broken. Users were informed of this test and invited to opt out only via Embarq's online Privacy Policy; a mere 15 subscribers did so."

5 of 106 comments (clear)

  1. wow by conteXXt · · Score: 4, Funny

    All up into a dude's business just to sell ads. Disgusting.

    --
    The truth about Led Zep should never be told on /. (Karma suicide ensues)
    1. Re:wow by squidguy · · Score: 3, Funny

      Nice...surf pr0n, Embarq dynamically sends you goatse adds.

  2. Deep packet inspection by Shaitan+Apistos · · Score: 4, Funny

    I find the phrase 'deep packet inspection' interesting because it simultaneously describes the technique used and a large subset of the results acquired.

  3. Re:Only 15 people opted out... by jadin · · Score: 4, Funny

    It was apparently on display next to Arthur Dent's home demolition notice.

  4. Re:When did the world change? by Annymouse+Cowherd · · Score: 3, Funny

    That started when the education system was introduced.