Inside Google

‘Dilbert’ Focuses On Online Privacy

John M. Simpson

When an issue becomes the topic of a comic strip, you know it’s on the nation’s agenda. Online privacy crossed that threshold today in Scott Adams’ Dilbert.

Busy Time Ahead For Online Privacy

John M. Simpson

Next week will be a busy one in Washington for online privacy as at least two bills are expected to be introduced in the House. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-CA, plans to offer a Do Not Track legislation and Rep. Bobby Rush, D- Il, is expected to re-introduce his online privacy bill. There’s activity outside Congress as well.

Google’s Search “Sting” Is Hypocritical

John M. Simpson

Google is blasting rival Microsoft for copying its search engine results for use on Microsoft’s search service, Bing. Microsoft claims they did nothing wrong and that Google engaged in “a spy-novelesque stunt.”

Google’s DNT Function Is Deceptive

John M. Simpson

The drive to create a “Do Not Track” mechanism to protect consumers’ online privacy as they surf the Web is gaining momentum. Companies like like Google, fearing the passage of necessary privacy laws, are scrambling to offer their versions on a voluntary basis.

Neither Sleet Nor Snow Stops Video Van

Carmen Balber

Despite a six-hour commute home on what should have been a 20 minute drive after Wednesday’s snowstorm, our mobile ad truck braved the streets again in this morning’s flurries so “Mr. Schmidt Goes to Washington” could crash a “World Privacy Day” event at Google’s lobby shop in DC.

Press Release

Google Faces Legal Woes Worldwide

CONTACT: John M. Simpson

It’s been a tough week for Google as it faced legal challenges from around the world, the most prominent being that Department of Justice antitrust staff is preparing for the possibility of a suit to block the Internet giant’s acquisition of ITA.

Wi-Spying Broke South Korean Law; Multi-state Probe Continues

John M. Simpson

South Korean police said Thursday that Google broke the country’s privacy laws when its Street View cars gathered personal information from private Wi-Fi networks. Meanwhile, in the United States, a spokeswoman for Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen told me in a telephone call that the multi-state investigation into Wi-Spy is ongoing.

FTC Chairman Explains “Do Not Track”

John M. Simpson

Federal Trade Chairman Jon Leibowitz, writing in U.S. News & World Report this week, offers one of the clearest explanations I’ve seen of why consumers need a Do Not Track Me function to protect their privacy as they surf the Web.

Ex-Googler Leaves The White House

John M. Simpson

Former Google executive Andrew McLaughlin has resigned as Deputy Chief Technology Officer in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, prompted at least in part, I think, by issues Consumer Watchdog raised.

Connecticut AG demands Wi-Spy data

John M. Simpson

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who is leading a multi-state probe into Google’s Wi-Spying activity is demanding the Internet giant turn over the data that its Street View cars improperly gathered from wireless networks in the state.