Virgin Media has tied up with Detica to implement a file sharing monitor over its networks. As expected, the move has prompted protests from net privacy campaigners like NoDPI.og who are calling it a serious breach of personal internet privacy.

Virgin has affirmed that the Detica tool called CView will be in force soon, and it will monitor the usage patterns of 40% of the provider’s customer base. Detica has previously used this Deep Packet Inspection tool to help governmental agencies track unauthorised file sharing across their data banks.

Given this, there have been protests against this move from different groups. Virgin appears to have added fuel to the fire by stating that this monitored 40% of customers will not be previously informed that their browsing will be under scrutiny. Company sources assure that this is not necessary, as the customer’s personal data is not going to be stored or recorded anyway. CView will simply collate a grouping of data showing the usage patterns across the cross-section of customers.

This collating will help assess the seriousness of file sharing and illegal downloading issue that is looming large over the internet and entertainment industry. In view of expectations that the government will soon be implementing stringent measures to ensure copyright protection, this tool will be of immense help, claims Virgin. The provider also plans to come up with music sharing offerings soon, which will also require an analysis of such activities. See Virgin Broadband Deals for latest offerings and provider information.