Inside Google

Blog Post

Google blows deadline for Los Angeles email switch; can’t meet LAPD needs

Posted by John M. Simpson

Google has blown the deadline to move the City of Los Angeles’ email system and other applications to the Internet Giant’s highly-touted cloud computing system because it hasn’t been able to meet the security requirements of Los Angeles Police Department.

Blog Post

Candian court won’t dismiss Perfect 10 infringement suit

Posted by Margot Williams

A Canadian court has denied Google’s attempt to dismiss a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Perfect 10, an adult entertainment publisher.

Blog Post

Google’s wind power

Posted by Margot Williams

Google’s purchase of twenty years worth of renewable energy from an Iowa wind farm is more of a business decision than Google.org’s philanthropic investments in clean energy. But last week’s announcement, contrary to some blogosphere reaction, does not make Mountain View a competitor in the energy sector.

News Clipping

Google Misses Deadline for L.A. City E-mail System

By David Sarno , THE LOS ANGELES TIMES

Google Inc. has missed the deadline on its high-profile contract to take over Los Angeles’ e-mail system, leaving nearly 20,000 city employees on an aging system that the city is paying the Internet search giant $7.25 million to replace.

News Clipping

House Dems Block White House Witness in Google Email Breach

By Alana Goodman , NATIONAL LEGAL & POLICY CENTER

At the hearing, a consumer watchdog testified that he believed the White House was too cozy with Google, and the company’s lobbying interests. “I do think that Google specifically has perhaps too close a relationship with the government,” said John Simpson, director of the Stem Cell Project. “I think Mr. McLaughlin’s appointment is one of those ties that are inappropriate.”

Blog Post

Web 2.0 hearing overshadowed by politics; Simpson calls for Wi-Spy probe

Posted by Khan Shoieb

Consumer Watchdog’s John M. Simpson testified at a hearing yesterday on federal agency use of Web 2.0 technology, but the hearing got off to a rocky start when Ranking Member Patrick McHenry (R-NC) opted for a procedural gimmick and even introduced a motion to adjourn the hearing before the witnesses were able to testify.

Blog Post

Congressman Boucher’s ties to Google may explain comments

Posted by John M. Simpson

Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va, chairman of the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee took a potshot at us this week. Folks at Consumer Watchdog have thick skins so we don’t really mind at all. I just figure you should have the context for the representative’s remarks.

News Clipping

Is National Security Behind Google’s Wi-Fi Spying?

By John R. Quain , FOXNEWS.COM

“Is there some relationship between Google and the NSA (National Security Agency)?” asked Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group. “Was this data shared with intelligence agencies in America? It’s a question. We just want a straight answer.”

Press Release

Consumer Watchdog Repeats Request for Google Wi-Spy Hearing In Congressional Testimony About Federal Use of Web 2.0 Technology

CONTACT: John M. Simpson , 310-292-1902, or 202-629-3064

WASHINGTON, DC — Consumer Advocate John M. Simpson today repeated Consumer Watchdog’s call for Congressional hearings into the Google Wi-Spy scandal during testimony about federal agency use of Web 2.0 technology. The hearing was before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and National Archives of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Why Won’t Congress Look Into Google’s Wi-Spy Scandal?

Kent McInnis

Blog Post

Inside Google’s John M. Simpson to testify to Congress

Posted by John M. Simpson

We haven’t yet persuaded the House Energy and Commerce Committee to convene a hearing on Google’s Wi-Spy snooping and its dealings with intelligence agencies, but I’m off to Washington to testify to another committee.

News Clipping

Multi-State Probe Into Google WiFi Incident Announced

By Juliana Gruenwald , NATIONAL JOURNAL - TECH DAILY DOSE BLOG

Consumer Watchdog, a group that has been critical of Google on multiple fronts, praised the state effort but again urged Congress to hold a hearing on the issue. “Just as the CEO of BP was asked to explain the Gulf oil spill to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, so should Google CEO Eric Schmidt be required to testify about the gross intrusion into consumers’ privacy,” John Simpson, the group’s consumer advocate, said in a statement.

News Clipping

Google Lobbying Spending Nearly Doubles, $1.34M Spending Focused on Privacy

By Austin Carr , FAST COMPANY

This past quarter, Google spent $1.34 million on Washington lobbyists, an increase of 41% over last year’s spending during the same period. That brings the company’s lobbying money up to $2.72 million for the first half of 2010, according to Consumer Watchdog. With all that spending, who and what is Google trying to influence?