Inside Google

File a Complaint

John M. Simpson

If you’ve caught Google in the act, let us know here. We’ll take your complaints and turn them into action!

Press Release

Consumer Watchdog Says FTC’s Google-AdMob Decision Will Hurt Consumers

CONTACT: John M. Simpson , 310-392-0522, x317; or 310-292-1902

The Federal Trade Commission’s decision allowing the $750 million deal for Google to buy mobile advertising company AdMob is anticompetitive and bad for consumers, Consumer Watchdog said today.

Consumer Watchdog Launches Inside Google Website To Focus Light on Internet Giant

John M. Simpson

Consumer Watchdog today formally launched its new Website, Inside Google, to focus attention on the company’s activities and hold Google accountable for its actions. The sites’ URL is http://insidegoogle.com.

White House Reprimands Ex-Googler After Consumer Watchdog FOIA Request

John M. Simpson

The White House Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Google’s former top global lobbyist, has been reprimanded for ethics violations that were revealed after a Freedom of Information Act Request from Consumer Watchdog.

Consumer Watchdog Calls on FTC to Investigate Google’s WiFi Snooping

John M. Simpson

Consumer Watchdog today called on the Federal Trade Commission to launch an immediate probe of Google’s snooping on private WiFi networks as the Internet giant sent its Street View cars to gather information.

Google’s WiFi Debacle Shows Internet Giant’s Lack of Concern for Consumers’ Privacy

John M. Simpson

An admission today that Google’s StreetView cars were gathering private information from WiFi networks shows the company’s lack of concern for privacy and the need for government inspection of the data the company is collecting and storing, Consumer Watchdog said.

Consumer And Privacy Groups Warn Online Tracking At “Alarming Levels,” Joint Letter To Congress Outlines Principles Privacy Legislation Must Include

John M. Simpson

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Warning that “tracking and targeting of consumers online have reached alarming levels,” a coalition of 11 consumer and privacy advocacy organizations today sent a letter to Congress outlining the protections any online privacy legislation must include.

Press Release

Consumer Watchdog Calls on Justice Department to Launch Antitrust Action Against Google, Including Possible Breakup

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Consumer Watchdog today called on the U.S. Department of Justice to launch a broad antitrust action against Google seeking remedial action that could include breaking the Internet giant into separate companies.

Google’s Lobbying Spending Soars 57 Percent

John Simpson

Google increased its lobbying spending in the first quarter by a whopping 57 percent over the previous year as it paid $1.3 million to influence lawmakers and regulators, according to public records filed today. “Google is relatively new to the influence-peddling game, but they’re now one of the highest rollers in Washington,” said John M. Simpson, consumer advocate with Consumer Watchdog.

Consumer Watchdog Files White House FOIA Request For Ex-Googler’s Email

John M. Simpson

White House Internet Policy Chief Andrew McLaughlin’s “Buzz” Profile Showed Continued Ties To Internet Giant WASHINGTON, D.C. — Consumer Watchdog filed a Freedom of Information Act request today with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy seeking copies of email between Internet Policy chief Andrew McLaughlin and his former employer, Google Inc. The […]