Archive | February, 2011
Report: Privacy Worries Many Facebook, Google Users
Ifmany of their users are worried specifically about privacy, Google and Facebook should support efforts to get the U.S. government to implement and enforce a “do not track” legislation and mechanism, Consumer Watchdog said in a statement in reaction to the survey.
Continue reading...USA Today/Gallup Poll Shows Need For “Do Not Track” Legislation, Consumer Watchdog Says As Rep. Jackie Speier Is Poised To Introduce Bill In Congress
9. February 2011
WASHINGTON, DC — A new USA Today/Gallup poll that found most Americans are worried about privacy and viruses when using Facebook or Google confirms an earlier poll by Consumer Watchdog and underscores the need for a Do Not Track mechanism to protect consumers online, the nonpartisan, nonprofit group said today.
Continue reading...Most Facebook, Google Users Worry About Privacy and Security
9. February 2011
Data flowing through the Web have translated into a candy store for criminals. It’s easier than ever for even low-skilled hackers to spread infections via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter postings and corrupted Google search results — and take full control of Web-connected PCs. And those risks are intensifying with rising use of smartphones and mobile devices to access the Web. “A smartphone is more appropriately called a spyphone,” says John Simpson, spokesman for Consumer Watchdog, a non-profit advocacy group. “The mobile world is like the wild west.”
Continue reading...Busy Time Ahead For Online Privacy
3. February 2011
Next week will be a busy one in Washington for online privacy as at least two bills are expected to be introduced in the House. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-CA, plans to offer a Do Not Track legislation and Rep. Bobby Rush, D- Il, is expected to re-introduce his online privacy bill. There’s activity outside Congress as well.
Continue reading...Google’s Search “Sting” Is Hypocritical
2. February 2011
Google is blasting rival Microsoft for copying its search engine results for use on Microsoft’s search service, Bing. Microsoft claims they did nothing wrong and that Google engaged in “a spy-novelesque stunt.”
Continue reading...Is Google’s Copying Complaint Fair or Hypocritical?
2. February 2011
When involved in a spat over allegations of unauthorized copying or misappropriation of content and ideas, Google — fairly or not — usually plays the villain… “Google’s complaint is the height of hypocrisy. The company’s entire business model is built on the use of other people’s content usually without bothering to seek permission,” said John Simpson, from Consumer Watchdog’s Inside Google research team.
Continue reading...Analysis: Consumer Watchdog’s Complaints Against Google
1. February 2011
Consumer Watchdog has taken their public war of words with Google to a whole new level. The group’s recent 32-page report generates complaints that suggest Google is benefitting from US corporatism.
Continue reading...Google’s DNT Function Is Deceptive
1. February 2011
The drive to create a “Do Not Track” mechanism to protect consumers’ online privacy as they surf the Web is gaining momentum. Companies like like Google, fearing the passage of necessary privacy laws, are scrambling to offer their versions on a voluntary basis.
Continue reading...Watchdog Group Questions Google’s Relationship with NSA
1. February 2011
Google is in hot water again — or it will be if Consumer Watchdog can persuade the public to ask Congress to take action over the Google “Wi-Spy scandal.” Additionally, Consumer Watchdog published a report, Lost in the Cloud: Google and the US Government, that highlights Google’s relationship with NSA and claims the search giant has also “inappropriately benefited” from close and secretive relationships with other government agencies.
Continue reading...Watchdog Demands Transparency on Google’s Million Dollar Lobbying
1. February 2011
Google has been called on to give greater transparency to its lobbying in Washington following its refusal to release details from a presentation that seeks to persuade governmental policy makers and regulators of its compliance to competitiveness rules. Consumer Watchdog, which describes itself as a nonprofit, nonpartisan, consumer advocacy organization, has called for the 89-page presentation, which will be shown during a forthcoming meeting, to be made public.
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9. February 2011