Inside Google

Authors & consumers uniting against Google book deal

Jamie Court

Google’s overreaching in trying to tightly control scanned digital copies of world literature has stuck an alarm bell with more than just consumers and the Justice Department

Press Release

U.S. Opens Inquiry Into Google Books Deal

CONTACT: Miguel Helft

The Justice Department has begun an inquiry into
the antitrust implications of Google’s settlement with authors and
publishers over its Google Book Search service, two people briefed on
the matter said Tuesday. Lawyers for the Justice Department have been in conversations in recent
weeks with various groups opposed to the settlement, including the
Internet Archive and Consumer Watchdog.

Press Release

Justice Department Reviews Google Book Deal

CONTACT: Alex Pham and David Sarno

The U.S. Justice Department is making antitrust inquiries into
Google Inc.’s settlement with authors and publishers over the Internet
giant’s project to scan millions of books and put them online. The Justice Department also contacted Consumer Watchdog after the Santa
Monica advocacy group sent it a letter expressing concerns about the
deal. "They talked to us with what I thought was great interest," John
Simpson of Consumer Watchdog said.

Press Release

Consumer Group Calls On Justice Department To Intervene In Google Book Settlement

CONTACT: John M. Simpson 310-392-0522 ext. 317 or cell 310-292-1902

"Orphan Works" provision and "Most Favored Nation" Clause Raise Antitrust Concerns

Santa Monica, CA — Google’s proposed settlement with authors and
publishers raises antitrust concerns, Consumer Watchdog said today and
the nonpartiasn, nonprofit group called on the U.S. Department of
Justice to intervene.

White House website cuts tie to Google’s YouTube

John M. Simpson

In the face of criticism from privacy advocates, the White House website apparently has ended its ties to Google’s YouTube video service.