NebuAd’s Plan to Monitor Internet Use Triggers Outrage

NebuAd’s “deep packet inspection” system, designed to track online activity without notifying the user, led to broad public outcry in 2008 when plans to use it were revealed. The ensuing privacy storm included an inquiry into the system’s legality by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the resignation of the founder and chief executive, and the cancellation of major partnership agreements, including a pilot program with the fourth-largest Internet service provider in the United States.