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Press Release
Consumer Watchdog Urges Justice To Include Search Manipulation In Google Probe
CONTACT: John M. Simpson 310-392-0522 ext 317 or Carmen Balber 202-629-3043
WASHINGTON, DC — Consumer Watchdog today called upon the Justice
Department to ensure that its ongoing antitrust probe of Google’s
business practices include an investigation of whether the Internet
giant is manipulating its search results to favor its own products.
Press Release
Judge Puts Off Ruling On Google’s Proposed Digital Book Settlement
CONTACT: Cecilia Kang
19. February 2010
NEW YORK, NY — Google confronted a barrage of criticism from opponents of its proposed digital book settlement Thursday as the Internet search giant tried to persuade a federal judge to approve a deal that would allow it to create the world’s largest online library. Some consumer groups warned Thursday that the company that preaches not to be evil could suffer from eroding trust. "They are part of this Silicon Valley culture which says ‘don’t ask for
permission because you can always ask for forgiveness,’ " said John
Simpson, head of the nonprofit group Consumer Watchdog. "The problem is
that they are starting now to be so big and so ambitious that some of
the things they are trying to do now are overreaching in a way that
will very likely tarnish their brand."
Judge asks tough questions in Google Books case
19. February 2010
U.S. Judge Denny Chin began Thursday’s marathon Fairness Hearing in the Google Books case by ending the suspense. "I’m not going to rule today," he said. But sitting in the courtroom observing the more than four-hour long
hearing, the questions Judge Chin asked left me believing that the
objections to the deal raised by groups like Consumer Watchdog have
made a strong impression on him.
Press Release
At Hearing On Google Books, Critics Reiterate Opposition
CONTACT: Aruna Viswanatha
18. February 2010
In press releases this morning outlining their testimony, critics of the plan reiterated their opposition. “In essence Google’s latest arguments seem to boil down to this: ‘Our
motto is don’t be evil, so you can trust us to control the world’s
digital library,’ said John Simpson, with a group called Consumer
Watchdog which has criticized Google on privacy issues.
Attorneys For Consumer Watchdog In Court To Argue Against Google Books Deal
18. February 2010
NEW YORK, NY — Attorneys for Consumer Watchdog will appear in a federal
court today to urge Judge Deny Chinn to reject the revised Google Books
settlement because it remains anticompetitive and violates both U.S.
and international law.
Google In Court Over Books Deal
18. February 2010
Search giant Google is facing its opponents in a New York court over long-delayed plans to create the world’s largest online library. Critics say the pact would hand the search giant a monopoly over online books sales. Some 26 interested parties will be given time to outline any objections. "This case is the key showdown. It’s high-noon time in front of a
judge," said John Simpson of Consumer Watchdog, one of the groups that
objects to the settlement. "I do think all the books in the world should be digitised, but I think
it is completely wrong to give one huge company control of that huge
database and this is a very, very important matter," Mr Simpson said.
Google Buzz ‘Breaks Privacy Laws’
17. February 2010
A leading privacy group has urged US regulators to investigate Google’s
new social networking service Buzz, one week after its launch.
The Consumer Watchdog, an advocacy group, said it was not surprised by this stumble. "This case illustrates a lot about Google’s corporate culture where a
company is run by computer scientists whose operating method is don’t
ask for permission when you can always ask for forgiveness," said the
organisation’s John Simpson.
Google’s privacy debacle displays firm’s true colors
15. February 2010
Google’s launch of its social network "Buzz" and the ensuing outcry from consumers over they way it trampled on their privacy rights says a lot about the Internet giant’s…
Continue reading...Google updates Buzz social-networking service amid privacy concerns
12. February 2010
The Internet giant has tweaked the sign-up process to make the
opt-out option clearer and made it easier to block people from
following users.
"Google shows continued tone deafness to the very important privacy
rights of consumers," John Simpson of Consumer Watchdog said.
Press Release
Next Chapter In Digital Book Deal: Google vs. DOJ
CONTACT: Michael Liedtke
12. February 2010
Google seems to want Judge Chin to be the man making the decision, said John
Simpson of Consumer Watchdog, one of the opponents scheduled to speak
in court next week. "Google has decided it’s longer willing to negotiate with Justice on
this one," Simpson said. "They want to negotiate with the judge
instead."
24. February 2010