Google’s WiFi Debacle Shows Internet Giant’s Lack of Concern for Consumers’ Privacy
Consumer Watchdog Calls on Government Agencies to Ensure Private Data is Deleted SANTA MONICA, CA — An admission today that Google’s StreetView…
May 14, 2010Consumer Watchdog
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Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Insurance
A Scrappy Insurer Wrestles With Reform
Some people say WellPoint’s combative stance reflects just how worried the company is about the future. “In some ways, WellPoint feels more…
May 14, 2010
Privacy
Google Admits Vacuuming Up Data from Wi-Fi Networks, Apologizes
For the past four years, Google has been reaching into unprotected Wi-Fi networks in homes and businesses in more than 30 countries…
May 14, 2010
Insurance
Jones Bill to Extend California’s Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program Approved by State Assembly
SACRAMENTO – The California State Assembly today approved legislation to extend California´s Low-Cost Automobile Insurance program through 2016. Assembly Bill 1597, authored…
May 14, 2010Consumer Watchdog: Obama Administration Must Spurn Insurer Demands for Loosening of Early Health Care Regulations
HHS Must Push to Curb Spiraling Rates, Prevent Gaming of Reform Act’s Limits on Insurer Overhead, Waste and Profit
May 14, 2010
Insurance
Mercury Pours $10 Million Into Prop. 17 Effort
One of California’s largest insurers has sunk upward of $10 million into ads and efforts supporting Proposition 17, the auto insurance measure…
May 14, 2010
Privacy
Few Hardballs from Shareholders at Google’s Annual Meeting
Perhaps the toughest shareholder question came from consumer advocate John Simpson, who asked Schmidt whether Google had agreed to a reported $700…
May 14, 2010
Privacy
Google’s Growth Markets Include Lobbying
Those numbers might have gone unnoticed if not for a handful of critics who fear Google is becoming too dominant in its…
May 14, 2010
Insurance
Prop 17 Insurance Reform Battle Heating Up in CA
The battle over Proposition 17 on the June ballot is heating up. The measure could change auto insurance rates and both sides…
May 13, 2010
Insurance
Big Bucks Advantage in Fight Over Prop. 17
“You’ve got an insurance company that’s already spent $10 million and could spend another $10 million,” said Harvey Rosenfield, a longtime consumer…
May 12, 2010
Privacy
Mercury General Should Disclose Family Ties, Watchdog Tells SEC
George Joseph, the founder, chairman and largest shareholder of insurer Mercury General Corp. (MCY), employs his nephew as an executive in the…
May 11, 2010Consumer Watchdog Urges SEC to Investigate Undisclosed Nepotism At Mercury Insurance – Chief Actuary Is CEO’s Nephew
Santa Monica, CA – Mercury General Corp. has failed to fully disclose family ties within the company in possible violation of federal…
May 11, 2010
Insurance
State Offers Low-Cost Car Insurance
Program in place until January 2011 State insurance officials estimate 18 percent of drivers will let their car insurance lapse in this…
May 9, 2010
Privacy
Insurers Scramble to Persuade Regulators To Class Certain Outlays as ‘Medical’
In a recent post on the website of Consumer Watchdog.org, the group's research director, Judy Dugan, took exception to a recent earnings…
May 7, 2010
Insurance
Battle Over Care Insurance Effort Focuses On Who Would Benefit
Backers say letting drivers carry discounts from carrier to carrier would aid most drivers. Foes say the measure would make rates unaffordable…
May 7, 2010
Insurance
Our View: Prop. 17 Has Too Many Tricks – Vote ‘No’
Frankly, there’s little credibility in a major insurance company spending beaucoup bucks on a ballot measure just so it can offer motorists…
May 6, 2010
Privacy
Facebook Bug Exposes Private Chats
A bug allowed Facebook users to view their friends' chat sessions on the site, prompting the social-networking company to disable its internal…
May 6, 2010
Privacy
New Ethics Rule Will Limit Schwarzenegger’s Use of Donations for Trips
Unlimited contributions are still allowed, but gifts of more than $420 can't be earmarked for individuals. Campaign finance reformers say any trips…
May 5, 2010