Inside Google

Liveblog: FTC chairman endorses “opt-in”

Khan Shoieb

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz endorsed an opt-in framework for privacy policies on the internet over an opt-out one in response to a question by Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV). Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz endorsed an opt-in framework for privacy policies on the internet over an opt-out one in response to a question by Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV).

Liveblogging online privacy hearing

Khan Shoieb

Today I will be liveblogging the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing on Consumer Online Privacy. It is the first hearing on this subject by a full committee.

Consumer Watchdog poll finds concern about Google’s Wi-Spy snooping

John M. Simpson

Americans Favor Broad Range Of Online Privacy Protections for Consumers

SANTA MONICA, CA — A significant majority of Americans are troubled by recent revelations that Google’s Street View cars gathered communications from home WiFi networks, and they want stronger legal protection to preserve their online privacy, according to a national opinion poll released today by Consumer Watchdog.

Google blows deadline for Los Angeles email switch; can’t meet LAPD needs

John M. Simpson

Google has blown the deadline to move the City of Los Angeles’ email system and other applications to the Internet Giant’s highly-touted cloud computing system because it hasn’t been able to meet the security requirements of Los Angeles Police Department.

Candian court won’t dismiss Perfect 10 infringement suit

Margot Williams

A Canadian court has denied Google’s attempt to dismiss a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Perfect 10, an adult entertainment publisher.

Google’s wind power

Margot Williams

Google’s purchase of twenty years worth of renewable energy from an Iowa wind farm is more of a business decision than Google.org’s philanthropic investments in clean energy. But last week’s announcement, contrary to some blogosphere reaction, does not make Mountain View a competitor in the energy sector.

Google Misses Deadline for L.A. City E-mail System

David Sarno

Google Inc. has missed the deadline on its high-profile contract to take over Los Angeles’ e-mail system, leaving nearly 20,000 city employees on an aging system that the city is paying the Internet search giant $7.25 million to replace.

House Dems Block White House Witness in Google Email Breach

Alana Goodman

At the hearing, a consumer watchdog testified that he believed the White House was too cozy with Google, and the company’s lobbying interests. “I do think that Google specifically has perhaps too close a relationship with the government,” said John Simpson, director of the Stem Cell Project. “I think Mr. McLaughlin’s appointment is one of those ties that are inappropriate.”

Web 2.0 hearing overshadowed by politics; Simpson calls for Wi-Spy probe

Khan Shoieb

Consumer Watchdog’s John M. Simpson testified at a hearing yesterday on federal agency use of Web 2.0 technology, but the hearing got off to a rocky start when Ranking Member Patrick McHenry (R-NC) opted for a procedural gimmick and even introduced a motion to adjourn the hearing before the witnesses were able to testify.

Congressman Boucher’s ties to Google may explain comments

John M. Simpson

Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va, chairman of the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee took a potshot at us this week. Folks at Consumer Watchdog have thick skins so we don’t really mind at all. I just figure you should have the context for the representative’s remarks.