Inside Google

Outrage continues to grow over Google “WiSpy” effort

John M. Simpson

Outrage continues to rise over Google’s “WiSpy” efforts that saw its Street View cars snoop on private WiFi networks as they roamed the streets of 30 countries over the last three years. Europeans contemplated criminal charges; U.S. lawmakers asked the Federal Trade Commission what it’s doing and a class action suit was filed in Oregon.

Google Will ‘Fight’ for AdMob Deal, Schmidt Says

Lora Bentley

Consumer Watchdog and Center for Digital Democracy were concerned more about the impact the deal would have on consumers’ ability to protect their privacy than the possible antitrust implications of the acquisition.

Google Faces Criminal Probe in Hamburg on Wi-Fi Data

Karin Matussek

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission received a letter on May 17 from Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica, California-based group that frequently criticizes Google, calling for an investigation into the Street View matter.

Press Release

Consumer Watchdog’s Jamie Court and John M. Simpson introduce Inside Google

CONTACT: John M. Simpson

Consumer Watchdog Launches Inside Google Website To Focus Light on Internet Giant

John M. Simpson

Consumer Watchdog today formally launched its new Website, Inside Google, to focus attention on the company’s activities and hold Google accountable for its actions. The sites’ URL is http://insidegoogle.com.

White House Reprimands Deputy CTO for Emails with Former Colleagues at Google

Cecilia Kang

Consumer Watchdog’s John Simpson said in a release: “McLaughlin received a mild slap on the wrist.” Simpson has called for McLaughlin’s resignation saying a technology expert, not a policy expert, should be in the position.

US Deputy CTO Gets Reprimand for Google Lobbying Contacts

Nate Anderson

What happens when Google’s former public policy director starts working in the White House—but continues to e-mail current Google lobbyists, and to take their e-mails? If you’re Consumer Watchdog, the answer is simple: he “should resign his position.”