Apache htaccess; Block BT/Virgin/TalkTalk/Korea Telecom and Phorm

Blocking Phorm partners keeps your content out of DPI advertising systems. The Apache web server can be configured to comprehensively block Phorm customers from your web site.

Note; the BT block lists include one of their subsidiaries, Plusnet. Despite protests from Plusnet, they are simply a trading name of BT Retail (and not an independent company). Though Plusnet claimed their customers would be protected from Phorm, apparently that was not true. Plusnet's CEO is Anthony Vollmer, former General Manager of Voice Propositions in BT Retail.

Concerning the Phorm announcement of a trial in Brazil, web sites outside Brazil  can block the whole country using lists provided by sites such as blockacountry.com (no relation to this site).

TalkTalk are presently operating an illegal communications system supplied by Chinese vendor Huawei. Huawei and Phorm are commercial partners.

RomTelecom were announced to be Phorm partners on 28 September 2011.

Pros; likely to reliably block Phorm, Cons; doesn't test for Phorm

 

Download the
BT and Phorm Deny directives.
(UK Phorm Partner)

Download the
Korea Telecom Deny directives.
(Korean Phorm Partner)

Download the
TalkTalk Deny directives.
(UK Phorm Partner)

Download the
Virgin Media Deny directives.
(UK Phorm Partner)

 

Download the
RomTelecom Deny directives.
(Romanian Phorm Partner)

 
   

 

Installation Notes

Apache's .htaccess files  (or "distributed configuration files") can be used to enforce IP range blocks. An .htaccess file, containing 'Deny' directives, can be placed in any document directory. The Deny directives are applied to requests for content in that directory, and all subdirectories. Copy the 'Deny' directives you require into an .htaccess file for the directory you wish to protect.

Note your server configuration file (usually httpd.conf) will need the directive "AllowOverride All" or "AllowOverride Limit" to permit .htaccess files to enforce Deny directives.

<Directory /home/apache/html/>
AllowOverride All
.... etc ....
</Directory>
												

Alternatively, the Deny directives can be pasted into your server config file (usually httpd.conf). Remember to restart your server.

<Directory /home/apache/html/>
Deny from 62.5.0.0/17
Deny from 62.6.0.0/15
.... etc ....
</Directory>
												

Custom Warning Pages

To create a custom access denied message, use the "ErrorDocument" directive in your .htaccess or httpd.conf file.

<Directory /home/apache/html/>
ErrorDocument 403 /spywareblocked.htm
.... etc ....
</Directory>

Acknowlegements

With many thanks to Gordon at BadPhorm.co.uk.

28-Sep-11;Added RomTelecom blocklists
27-Nov-10; Updated advice wrt TalkTalk/Huawei
28-Mar-10; Updated advice wrt Plusnet, Brazil
30-Mar-09; Added KTlist
17-Dec-08; Added new Phorm IP address ranges to BT list
13-Dec-08; Added new Phorm IP address ranges to BT list
02-Aug-08; enhanced Embarq list
29-Jul-08; added WOW/Embarq list
01-May-08; added Brightview ranges
25-Apr-08; enhanced VM list, fewer lines
21-Apr-08; added eu.bt.com ranges