Inside Google

Press Release

Google settles ‘Buzz’ suit; Texas opens antitrust probe

There were two major legal developments Friday involving Internet giant Google as the nation focused its attention on the long Labor Day holiday weekend. Both merit recapping, but unfortunately one is less of a victory for consumers than it might first appear. The other development could be a hint of huge problems to come for Google.

Consumer Watchdog Takes “Do Not Track Me” Campaign to Times Square With Animated Video Targeting Google CEO’s Lack of Respect For Privacy

SANTA MONICA, CA – Consumer Watchdog’s InsideGoogle.com has taken its online privacy campaign to New York’s Times Square, where it has purchased a 540 sq. ft. Jumbotron digital advertisement promoting an animated video satirizing Google CEO Eric Schmidt’s attitude toward consumer privacy.

Press Release

Google faces close DOJ scrutiny on ITA

Despite what the spinmeisters over at Google’s Public Policy Blog would have you believe, the Internet giant is facing tough scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice over its planned acquisition of ITA Software.

Stephen Colbert: 1. Google: 0.

Four House members blast Google-Verizon plan; call on FCC to act

Four members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet, on Monday called the Google-Verizon joint net neutrality plan too “industry-centered” and called on the Federal Communications Commission to regulate broadband.

“Do Not Track Me” gains traction in Washington

I’m just back from a sweltering week in Washington, DC, convinced that those of us who care about protecting consumers’ online privacy have reason for optimism. There is growing interest in creating a “Do Not Track Me” list and mechanism to implement it.

Google moves to profit from its “crown jewels” — your data

A Wall Street Journal article this week details how Google is increasingly moving to maximize profits from the vast amount of personal data it has amassed in its global network of servers at the expense of consumers’ privacy. Google chairman Eric Schmidt once claimed Google put its money “where our principles are.” The Journal’s revealing article showing how profits triumph over privacy demonstrates the stark reality: Google puts its principles where the money is.

Google-Verizon broadband proposal undermines Internet, Consumer Watchdog says

SANTA MONICA, CA — Google and Verizon’s new joint broadband proposal pays lip service to the idea of “net neutrality,” but actually would completely undermine the open and free Internet we enjoy, Consumer Watchdog said today.

Consumer Watchdog asks FBI, DEA to explain use of Google Earth

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FBI and DEA are now making extensive use of Google Earth, according to federal spending records. Consumer Watchdog is filing Freedom of Information Act requests with the agencies today to determine how the Internet giant’s digital mapping technology is being used for domestic surveillance, including whether it is used for racial profiling or other abuses of civil liberties.

Google-Verizon deal prompts protest petitions

Several progress groups like MoveOn.org and Color of Change have launched online petition campaigns aimed at persuading Google to stick with its earlier espoused principles on “net neutrality” and not cut a a deal with telecommunications giant Verizon that would undermine an open Internet.