Inside Google

DOJ’s Strict Conditions on Google/ITA Deal Will Open Internet Giant To Unprecedented Scrutiny

John M. Simpson

Full Investigation Of Anticompetitive Search Practices Needed, Consumer Watchdog Says
WASHINGTON, DC — The Department of Justice’s conditions on Google’s $700 million deal to buy ITA Software will focus unprecedented and necessary regulatory scrutiny on the Internet giant, Consumer Watchdog said today. The nonpartisan, nonprofit public interest group called on the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Google’s anticompetitive search practices.

Consumer Watchdog Unveils California “Do Not Track Me” Plan & Challenges Google’s CEO Page, On First Day, To Prove Company’s New Direction By Supporting Privacy Plan

John M. Simpson

SACRAMENTO, CA ­– Consumer Watchdog unveiled new landmark California legislation to allow consumers in the state to stop unwanted online tracking and, in a letter, challenged Google CEO Larry Page, in his first day on the job, to support the “Do Not Track Me” plan and demonstrate Google is moving in a new direction. The bill, SB 761, was introduced by Sen. Alan Lowenthal, D- Long Beach, and sponsored by Consumer Watchdog.

Consumer Watchdog Praises FTC For Requiring Privacy Audits For Google, But Says Fines And Further Action Required

John M. Simpson

WASHINGTON, DC — Consumer Watchdog praised the Federal Trade Commission for requiring Google to submit to privacy audits for the next twenty years, but said the Internet giant should also face monetary penalties for its abuses. The nonpartisan, nonprofit public interest group also called for government action to curtail Google’s anti-competitive practices.

Consumer Watchdog Praises Judge For Blocking Google Books Deal

John M. Simpson

Decision Sends Message Google Must Ask Permission Before Using Others’ Property

SANTA MONICA, CA — Consumer Watchdog praised Federal Judge Denny Chin today for rejecting the Google Books settlement and added that Google should finally learn it cannot usurp and exploit other people’s work and information without first asking permission. The decision also raised serious antitrust issues, the nonpartisan, nonprofit group noted.

Consumer Watchdog To President Obama: Tapping Google CEO For Commerce Secretary, Obama’s Voice On Privacy, Is Like Appointing Madoff To Head SEC

Jamie Court

Washington, DC — Consumer Watchdog warned President Obama in a letter today about the dire consequences for consumers worldwide of appointing Google CEO Eric Schmidt Commerce Secretary.

Consumer Groups Warn Obama Privacy Law Could Be Dominated By Industry

John M. Simpson

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A “multi-stakeholder process” to develop online privacy codes advocated today by the Obama Administration runs the risk of being dominated by industry and failing to protect consumers if it is not organized in a fair and balanced manner, six public interest groups warned. The groups include Consumer Watchdog, The Center for Digital Democracy, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Action, U.S. PIRG and the World Privacy Forum.

‘Doodle 4 Google’ Gaffe Suggests Company Did Not Live Up To Privacy Commitments Made To End Wi-Spy Probe Consumer Watchdog Tells FTC

John M. Simpson

WASHINGTON, DC — Google’s latest privacy breach, gathering children’s social security information on a contest entry form, suggests that the Internet giant did not live up to commitments that prompted the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection to end its inquiry into the Wi-Spy incident, Consumer Watchdog said today.

Consumer Watchdog Asks House Privacy Caucus Chairmen to Seek Hearing After Google Gathers Children’s Social Security Data

John M. Simpson

WASHINGTON, DC — Consumer Watchdog today asked Rep. Ed Markey, D-MA, and Rep. Joe Barton, R-TX, to seek hearings examining why Google gathered children’s social security numbers in entry forms for its “Doodle 4 Google” contest. The hearing should also investigate the Wi-Spy scandal.

Consumer Watchdog Calls On FTC To Enact Do Not Track, Says Force Of Law Needed

John M. Simpson

WASHINGTON, DC — Consumer Watchdog today called on the Federal Trade Commission to create a “Do Not Track Me” mechanism to protect consumers’ online privacy and added that such a mechanism must have the force of law behind it.

Consumer Watchdog To Senate Judiciary: President Should Not Meet Behind Closed Doors With Google

John M. Simpson

Washington, DC – Consumer Watchdog told the Senate Judiciary Committee that it is, “deeply distressed to learn that President Obama is meeting with Google CEO Eric Schmidt today behind closed doors as the Justice Department is poised to render its decision on Google’s acquisition of ITA, which has caused deep concern within in the travel industry about Google’s ability to drive out competitors in the online airline booking industry.”