Inside Google

NHTSA Wrong To Say Computers Count As Drivers Of Robot Cars, Consumer Watchdog Says; Google’s Own Data Shows Human Drivers Are Needed Behind Wheel

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is wrong to say the artificial intelligence guiding an autonomous robot car counts as the driver, Consumer Watchdog said today, adding that Google’s own test data demonstrates the need for a human driver who can take control when necessary.

New DMV Robot Car Rules Prioritize Safety; Follow Consumer Watchdog’s Call To Require Steering Wheel And Pedals; Privacy & Cybersecurity Also Addressed

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – Draft regulations covering self-driving robot cars issued today by the California Department of Motor Vehicles incorporate a key safety provision advocated by Consumer Watchdog and require the robot cars to have a steering wheel and pedals and be occupied by a licensed driver capable of taking control of the vehicle.

Consumer Watchdog Backs Consumer Privacy Protection Act Introduced By Rep. Cicilline

John M. Simpson

Consumer Watchdog strongly supports the Consumer Privacy Protection Act introduced today in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. David N. Cicilline, D-RI, and co-sponsored by eleven other Democrats.

Google’s Failure To Offer ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ In United States Is Unfair And Deceptive, Consumer Watchdog Tells Federal Trade Commission In Complaint

John M. Simpson

Google’s failure to offer U.S. users the ability to request the removal of search engine links from their name to information that is inadequate, irrelevant, no longer relevant, or excessive is an “unfair and deceptive” practice, Consumer Watchdog said in a complaint today to the Federal Trade Commission.

Consumer Watchdog Warns Obama Not To Undercut Strong State Data and Privacy Laws

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA – Consumer Watchdog today welcomed President Obama’s attention on consumer privacy and data breach issues, but cautioned that legislation he proposes must not provide weaker protection than is already offered by some state laws.

Consumer Privacy Groups Urge Obama To Propose Strong Privacy Law

John M. Simpson

SANTA MONICA, CA — Consumer Watchdog has joined with six other consumer privacy organizations in calling for President Obama to propose strong privacy legislation in the groups’ comments on the White House report on “big data.”

Google’s Latest Deal Takes Spying Ability To New Heights

John M. Simpson

 Google’s latest planned acquisition will will take the Internet giant’s ability to spy on us and gather informationabout our activities to new heights — literally. Last week Google said it would buy Skybox Imaging for $500 million, chump change for a company that is sitting on around $61 billion in cash. Skybox is building low […]

Google Ending Privacy Breach Consumer Watchdog Targeted In FTC Complaint

John M. Simpson

Google apparently is ending an egregious privacy breach involving people who buy apps from its Google Play store using Google Wallet to pay. Consumer Watchdog filed a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission with a copy to California Attorney General Kamala Harris about what Google was doing. The complaint alleged that the Internet giant was violating its privacy policies and its “Buzz” consent agreement with the FTC.

Google’s Privacy Chief Is Stepping Down

John M. Simpson

Google’s privacy chief, Alma Whitten, is stepping down the Internet giant confirmed Monday. Since word of her departure came out on April Fools’ Day many folks probably thought this was part of the company’s annual elaborate pranks like its “announcement” of a new service called “Google Nose.”

Press Release

Google Ruling Shows Need For Do Not Track And Strong Antitrust Action

CONTACT: John M. Simpson

A federal judge’s ruling late Friday in a key privacy case demonstrates the need to implement tough “Do Not Track” rules and to take decisive action on the antitrust front against Google.