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House To Hear Why Google Collected Kids Social Sec. Numbers
Consumer Watchdog has sent a letter to the co-chairmen of the House Privacy Caucus, asking for hearings to inquire why Google solicited partial Social Security numbers for its Doodle 4 Google contest. The two co-chairman of the caucus said later on Thursday that they have agreed to a hearing.
Continue reading...Lawmakers Urged To Probe Google Social Security Controversy
24. February 2011
A frequent Google critic Thursday called on the House co-chairmen of the Congressional Privacy Caucus to push for hearings into Google’s request for the last four digits of the Social Security numbers from children seeking to participate in an art contest the Internet firm sponsored.
Continue reading...Obama Slammed For Seeing Google’s Schmidt in Private
18. February 2011
Consumer Watchdog, one of the more harshest critics of Google’s dominance on the Internet, said it was “inappropriate” for the president to meet Schmidt in private while the search engine giant is being scrutinized by various U.S. government departments.
Continue reading...In Calif., Obama Woos Tech Moguls
17. February 2011
One potentially rough patch for Obama is Google. The company has pending business before the Department of Justice, which has yet to rule on the company’s attempt to acquire the online travel booking company ITA, and recently drew criticism for skipping a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on rogue web sites. Consumer Watchdog, a California nonprofit long critical of Google’s business practices, pronounced itself “deeply distressed to learn that President Obama is meeting with Google CEO Eric Schmidt today behind closed doors as the Justice Department is poised to render its [Justice Department] decision.”
Continue reading...Internet ‘Do Not Track’ Bill Introduced In Congress
14. February 2011
Proposed legislation is designed to protect Web users’ privacy, prevent advertisers from monitoring online usage. An Internet version of the popular “Do Not Call” telephone legislation took a step toward reality on Friday, when a California Democrat introduced legislation in Congress designed to let consumers block unwanted tracking of their information online.
Continue reading...Peninsula Rep. Sponsors ‘Do Not Track’ Online Privacy Bill
12. February 2011
SAN MATEO, CA (KCBS) — A “Do Not Track” bill was introduced in Congress Friday and consumer and privacy advocates are applauding the move.
Continue reading...California Legislator Introduces Do Not Track Bill
11. February 2011
Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit which looks out for consumer interests, introduced the bill at a press conference along with Speier and other advocates.
Continue reading...Google Blamed for Mortgage Fraud
11. February 2011
Consumer Watchdog has complained in a Feb. 8 letter to the Federal Trade Commission that Google and other search engines have not only been profiting by accepting deceptive advertising from fraudulent operators, but have also essentially been an accomplice in crime and should be made to stop “its harmful behavior.”
Continue reading...Speier Unveils ‘Do-Not-Track’ Online Privacy Bill
11. February 2011
Just a day after Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., rolled out his latest online privacy legislation, Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., unveiled a package of bills Friday that includes a “do-not-track” requirement giving consumers the option to opt-out of being tracked while browsing online.
Continue reading...Online ‘Do Not Track’ Bill Introduced in House
11. February 2011
The bills were heralded by consumer groups, like Consumer Watchdog. “Consumers should have the right to choose if their private information – from shoe size, to health concerns, to religious beliefs – is collected, analyzed and profiled by companies tracking activities online,” said Carmen Balber, Washington director for Consumer Watchdog. “Do Not Track is the simple way for consumers to say ‘no thanks’ to being monitored while they surf the Web.”
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24. February 2011