Author Archives | Clint Boulton
Google Said To Be Modifying Google Book Search For DOJ
Consumer advocate group Consumer Watchdog asked the DOJ to enforce this offer. Privacy advocates oppose the deal because they believe Google will collect too much info on users without proper precautions to protect readers’ privacy.
Consumer Advocates Ask For FTC’s Help in Curbing Behavioral Targeting Tactics
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft employ behavioral
targeting, in which cookies collect information on users’ Web browsing
habits, to better tailor online ad campaigns for Web surfing consumers.
This practice doesn’t sit well with consumer and privacy advocates,
which urged Congress to crack down on behavioral targeting and asked
the Federal Trade Commission to set up a registry to help users opt out
of such practices.
Consumer Advocates To Corner Congress With Behavioral Targeting
Monday, August 31, 2009
The Center for Digital Democracy, Consumer Watchdog and several other advocates are hosting a conference call Sept. 1 to make recommendations about how Congress may better regulate behavioral targeting. Google, Yahoo and Microsoft all use behavioral targeting to better serve ads to Web surfers. The groups want to be heard by Congress, which is working on legislature to better protect consumer privacy online.
Consumer Advocates Exhort DOJ, FTC To Scrutinize Microsoft-Yahoo Deal
Thursday, July 30, 2009
John Simpson, an advocate with non-profit group Consumer Watchdog, also
said the Microhoo deal must be closely scrutinized by the Federal Trade
Commission, the Justice Department and the European Commission to
ensure that there are no antitrust violations and that user privacy is
guaranteed. "If the result of this deal is that there are two stronger Internet
search enterprises who exploit users’ data at the expense of their
privacy rights, consumers are worse off, not better," said Simpson.
"Users must have control of their data—whether it is collected and how
it is used. Guarantees of that control must be in place before this
deal is approved. Justice and the FTC can—and must—insist on this."
DOJ Launches Formal Investigation Into Google Book Search Settlement
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Department of Justice confirms its investigation into whether Google’s $125 million Book Search settlement violates U.S. antitrust laws. Opponents fear the agreement gives the search engine giant too much power in the digital book world. The fairness hearing is set for Oct. 7, 2009. "The fact that the Justice Department decided to formally notify the
judge in the Google Book Search class action settlement that it is
investigating the deal is an important development," consumer advocate
for Consumer Watchdog John Simpson said in an e-mail to eWEEK.
Microsoft: Zero Data Retention Not Possible To Keep Search Engines Viable
Thursday, December 18, 2008
John Simpson, a privacy advocate for the non-profit consumer rights
group Consumer Watchdog, said no less than a zero retention policy will
suffice, arguing that since most users of Google or Yahoo return daily
they are constantly providing a new stream of personal data. His group
wants users to have the option to control their data and browse
anonymously.
Video Player
Consumer Watchdog’s Carmen Balber discusses Internet privacy and the need for an online “Do Not Track Me” list.
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Thursday, September 17, 2009