Privacy
Google bucks Europe on Street View
European Union officials are asking Google to improve privacy practices with its Street View service, ...
Mar 2, 2010Consumer Watchdog
Providing an effective voice for American consumers in an era when special interests dominate public discourse, government and politics. Non-partisan.
Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Insurance
Political danger of a ‘Yes’ on health reform? The risk of a ‘No’ may be greater
President Lyndon Johnson faced hard choices in 1964: Preserve Democrats' majority in Congress, perhaps for decades. Or ram through landmark civil rights…
Mar 2, 2010
Healthcare
White House staff finally sees malpractice victims
I just got off the phone with Consumer Watchdog Boardmember Kathy Olsen, who is in Washington, D.C. today along with her family,…
Mar 1, 2010
Privacy
Treasury official auditions for bank lobbyist job
The Huffington Post just reported that a top Treasury Department official, whose job was to work with the House Financial Services Committee…
Mar 1, 2010
Insurance
Consumer Group Sues Anthem Blue Cross Over Policy Change
Consumer Watchdog says Anthem violated the state's health and safety code when it closed policies to newcomers and offered remaining customers alternative…
Mar 1, 2010
Insurance
Local Consumer Group Files Suit Against Anthem
Insurer accused of manipulating policies, blocking access to care A Santa Monica-based consumer advocacy organization filed a lawsuit Monday on behalf of…
Mar 1, 2010
Energy
California Assembly Speaker-Elect Pérez Has Ties To Deep Pockets
The legislator, who has cultivated an image as a crusader for the marginalized and powerless, has also advocated for the powerful. Pérez…
Feb 28, 2010
Insurance
Arguing Over The Arguments
The argument is over the arguments submitted against Proposition 17, the Mercury Insurance-backed measure that supporters say would allow auto insurers to…
Feb 26, 2010
Privacy
Justice’s Google probe is ongoing
I've just been reading the transcript from last week's Fairness Hearing in the Google Books case and one thing is crystal clear:…
Feb 26, 2010
Insurance
Backers of Auto-Insurance Measure Sue Over Ballot Pamphlet Language
More than $3.51 million of Cal-FAIR’s $3.58 million campaign war chest came from insurance giant Mercury General Corp. Consumer Watchdog founder Harvey…
Feb 25, 2010Internal Anthem Blue Cross/WellPoint Document: Only Patients Who “Push Back” Get Covered Out Of State Liver Transplants
Los Angeles, CA -- Evidence uncovered this week in the Los Angeles trial of Anthem Blue Cross, subsidiary of WellPoint Inc., which…
Feb 25, 2010
Privacy
Group Calls On Justice To Probe Google Searches
The consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog wrote the Justice Department Wednesday to urge it to investigate allegations that Google is manipulating its…
Feb 25, 2010
Privacy
Google’s European troubles and one good thing about the Italian case
Google has taken a one-two punch to the chin this week from Europe first with the news that the European Commission is…
Feb 25, 2010
Privacy
Google Faces New Antitrust Complaints
Earlier this month, the shopping comparison search engine myTriggers brought an antitrust action against Google, alleging that the search giant unfairly lowered…
Feb 24, 2010
Insurance
Wellpoint’s mistress of evasion
When Wellpoint CEO Angela Braly doesn't like a question, she's a regular Houdini of evasion and blame-shifting. Her testimony in front of…
Feb 24, 2010
Insurance
Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program in California is Gaining Popularity
Several Californians enjoy the benefit of enrolling in the state’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA). Since its inception in July 2000,…
Feb 24, 2010Consumer Watchdog Urges Justice To Include Search Manipulation In Google Probe
WASHINGTON, DC — Consumer Watchdog today called upon the Justice Department to ensure that its ongoing antitrust probe of Google’s business practices…
Feb 24, 2010
Insurance
Anthem Blue Cross Executives Grilled At State Capitol
Anthem Blue Cross executives, under intense questioning by the state Assembly's Health Committee on Tuesday, defended the company's decision to raise premiums…
Feb 24, 2010