Archive | 2010
Consumer Watchdog Backs Call for Congressional Hearing on Google’s WiSpy Snooping
SANTA MONICA, CA — Consumer Watchdog today praised three Congressmen for releasing Google’s purported explanation of its three-year WiSpy snooping and endorsed a call for a Congressional hearing about the incident. Consumer Watchdog also called for the Federal Communications Commission to investigate.
Continue reading...Google struggles to defend Apps security
10. June 2010
Google’s recent release of a white paper on its security policies and technologies for Google Apps is notable for its effort to assure users and potential customers that the information stored by Google is safe. And perceptions about the Internet giant’s security are key to its future.
Continue reading...Closing Windows: Was it about security or the money?
10. June 2010
Last month, The Financial Times reported that Google was blaming Microsoft software vulnerability for the multinational cyber attack it encountered earlier this year. In response, unnamed Google employees said, the company was phasing out the Windows operating system at the company. But, maybe it’s about the money.
Continue reading...Ten Consumer Advocate Groups Ask Congress to Strengthen Privacy Bill
8. June 2010
“The problem is that the bill relies too much on the idea of ‘notice and consent,’ which really hasn’t worked,” said John M. Simpson, a consumer advocate at Consumer Watchdog, Washington. “It also pre-empts stronger state laws and does not allow private action suits. These provisions are extremely unfriendly for consumers.
Continue reading...Standing up to Google’s heavy-handed pressure
7. June 2010
I was in Washington, DC, last week to attend EPIC’s Champion of Freedom Awards Dinner. One honoree in particular prompted the cross-country trip: The Rose Foundation and how it stood up to Internet giant Google.
Continue reading...Watchdog Says Google Has ‘Microsoft-like Monopoly’ in Key Web Areas
7. June 2010
“Google claims that its search is neutral,” said John M. Simpson of Consumer Watchdog. “This study shows that it’s not and demonstrates the damaging impact Google’s unfair practices have had on competitors.”
Continue reading...Ten Privacy and Consumer Groups Ask Congressional Leaders to Strengthen Privacy Bill
7. June 2010
In response to a discussion draft of a new privacy bill currently under consideration by the House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, ten leading privacy and consumer organizations today called for much stronger provisions to protect consumer privacy both online and off.
Continue reading...Should Silicon Valley Be Worried About a Backlash?
5. June 2010
Just last week, Consumer Watchdog released a report claiming Google abuses its dominance of search to steer users to its other products. The revelation that the Google Street View team in Europe had “accidentally” collected large amounts of personal user data through Wi-Fi connections certainly hasn’t helped.
Continue reading...A graphic display of what Google knows
4. June 2010
Every wonder how much information Google has gathered? Scott Cleland, publisher of the Website GoogleMonitor.com, has pulled together a snappy one-page graphic, “Google’s ‘Total Information Awareness’ Power,” that answers the question.
Continue reading...Missouri AG Looks Into Google Wi-Fi Mess
4. June 2010
Consumer advocate John Simpson said he was happy to see Missouri asking for an explanation. “Google’s … operation compromised consumers’ privacy in the very heartland of America,” said Simpson, an advocate with California’s Consumer Watchdog, in an e-mail message. “The Internet giant needs to be held accountable.”
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11. June 2010