Inside Google

Google Builds Street Cred w/Chef Jose Andres

Carmen Balber

I ventured into the DC Googleplex last night for one of the company’s “Google D.C. Talks” and no one challenged me at the door. It looks like Consumer Watchdog isn’t on a no-entry list after our latest investigation into Google’s Wi-Spy wiretapping activities. No one was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement to get in either, as they usually ask visitors to do.

Financial Times examines Google’s ‘secret formula’

Margot Williams

In another Google story, the Financial Times (registration required) punctures some of the mythology around the legendary algorithm that powers Google search. First of all, it’s a work in progress. There were some 500 tweaks to the algorithm last year alone, some of which radically effect online businesses, some of whom are Google competitors.

Press Release

Expedia is worried about Google/ITA deal

CONTACT: Margot Williams

More fallout from Google’s proposed purchase of Internet advertising powerhouse ITA Software, which was announced earlier this month.

Google gets a slap on the wrist for violating Australian privacy law

John M. Simpson

Australia’s Privacy Commissioner Karen Curtis says Google’s Wi-Spy snooping violated the law down under, but instead of punishing the company she asked for an apology and a promise to do the right thing going forward. Apparently that’s the most she could do.

Press Release

“Monopole” is French for Google

CONTACT: Margot Williams

Last week the French Competition Authority officially declared Google a monopoly. Said the NYT: “That conclusion is hardly novel, but the decision appears to go beyond any previous official ruling in the United States or elsewhere.”

Press Release

Double Trouble for Google

CONTACT: Margot Williams

Twice in the past week, Google has come in contact with Europe’s rather different culture of competition and privacy, leaving Mountain View contemplating investigations and negotiations it would have preferred to avoid.

Press Release

Google’s travel plans prompt dominance concerns

CONTACT: Margot Williams

Google’s purchase of a leading travel software company last week has competitors worried and antitrust regulators on alert.

Google exec tries hard sell on cloud computing

Margot Williams

Google’s campaign for federal government cloud computing contracts came to Capitol Hill today with a top executive telling the House government oversight committee hearing that cloud computing is more secure than current agency-hosted information services.

Google finds itself on the defensive in China

Margot Williams

The falling out between Google and the Chinese government continues with Beijing getting rather the best of Mountain View. The results won’t make much difference to American consumers but China’s actions do show how a national government can impose its will on a far-flung networked corporation.

Press Release

Top trustbuster says DOJ watching search industry

CONTACT: John M. Simpson

The U.S. Justice Department is paying close attention to the Internet search industry now dominated by Internet giant, Google, according to Assistant Attorney General Christine. Varney, the nation’s top trustbuster, gave the keynote speech last week to the American Antitrust Institute’s 11th Annual Convention in Washington, DC. I was there and took the opportunity to ask her what government policy should be if online search naturally tends to become a monopoly.