Inside Google

Experts: Make the (Transparent) Case for Behavioral Advertising

Susan Hall

When the online advertising industry recently issued seven principles to protect consumer privacy, you could see the lines being drawn. John Simpson, consumer advocate for California-based nonprofit Consumer
Watchdog, doesn’t believe this industry will be able to regulate
itself. He believes opting in should be consumers’ choice, not the current
model where they have to work to opt out of having their Web-surfing
habits monitored. He says that if advertisers clearly explain their
programs and how that benefits customers, those users are likely to be
willing to be part of it.

Online behavioral advertising opt-out procedures misleading

John M. Simpson

Earlier this month  the Network Advertising Initiative (NIA), a trade association that includes some of the biggest online advertising companies like Google, Yahoo!, Microsoft…

Press Release

Warning issued on Google Books privacy threat

CONTACT: John M. Simpson

Much of the focus on the proposed Google Books settlement has been on antitrust concerns….

L.A. delays consideration of Google email plan

John M. Simpson

Consideration of a proposal to move the City of Los Angles’ email and other computer applications to a system run by…

L.A. needs assurances before moving to Google’s ‘cloud’

John M. Simpson

Frustrated by an out-of-date email system that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s spokesman Matt Szabo calls "Pac-Man-era technology" the City of Los Angeles is considering entrusting…

Google Is Faulted On Privacy

Holly Sanders Ware

A group critical of Google’s privacy practices got a jump on the search giant yesterday. Consumer Watchdog, which accuses Google of spying on users, sent out an
alert early yesterday claiming it had obtained a "confidential" and
"proprietary" document that the company had intended for lawmakers.

Secret Google Presentation Defends Invasive Behavioral Ads

Carmen Balber

Consumer Watchdog Releases Satirical Annotated Version, Says Cyber-Spying Should Raise Lawmaker Alarms Over Internet Giant’s New ‘Net-based Operating System

Consumer Watchdog Takes On Google As Lawmakers Mull Data Privacy Regulation

Jason Linkins

Consumer Watchdog — which, as the name implies is a consumer watchdog organization — is raising alarms over privacy concerns that have been brought to the fore as online search company Google engages in wheeling and dealing before the House Communications and Consumer Protection Subcommittee.

Press Release

DOJ Launches Formal Investigation Into Google Book Search Settlement

CONTACT: Clint Boulton

The Department of Justice confirms its investigation into whether Google’s $125 million Book Search settlement violates U.S. antitrust laws. Opponents fear the agreement gives the search engine giant too much power in the digital book world. The fairness hearing is set for Oct. 7, 2009. "The fact that the Justice Department decided to formally notify the
judge in the Google Book Search class action settlement that it is
investigating the deal is an important development," consumer advocate
for Consumer Watchdog John Simpson said in an e-mail to eWEEK.

Press Release

Justice Probes Antitrust Issues In Google Deal With Publishers

CONTACT: J. Vascellaro J. Trachtenberg

Paul Aiken, executive director of the Authors Guild, also predicted
the settlement would "pass muster" because it opens up new markets. But
those concerned about the settlement said they were pleased with the
Justice Department’s letter. "This is now a clear step that they are
taking the matter seriously." said John M. Simpson, an advocate for
Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit consumer group.