Privacy
Will City of L.A. jump into Google’s cloud?
I spent all afternoon Monday waiting at the LA City Council Budget Committee to give the Council members my two minutes on…
Oct 22, 2009Consumer 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
Who’s really paying for United Health Group’s profit spike?
The biggest U.S. health insurance conglomerate, UnitedHealth Group, was basking today in a 13% profit increase, to more than $1 billion, even…
Oct 20, 2009Massachusetts Move Toward Health Insurance Rate Regulation Shows Need For National Action, Says Consumer Watchdog
Small Businesses Hit with Double-Digit Increases Demand State Help; Governor Seeks Insurer Rate Reviews Santa Monica, CA -- The announcement today by…
Oct 20, 2009
Privacy
Car Dealers Want To Evade Thumb Of New Consumer Protection Agency
The financial meltdown led some folks - including the president - to opine that the little guy has sure taken it in…
Oct 20, 2009
Insurance
Under Proposed Reforms, Little Rate Regulation, New Customers May Mean Health for Insurers
OLDWICK, N.J. -- With virtually no limits on what they could charge in premiums, coupled with millions of new customers to gain,…
Oct 20, 2009Consumer Watchdog Names ‘Top 5 Time Bombs’ in Senate Health Plan
Insurer- and Corporate-Demanded Clauses and Omissions Degrade Health Coverage, Block Insurer Accountability, Cut Employer Coverage Santa Monica, CA -- The leading health…
Oct 19, 2009
Insurance
Health Care Reform Insurance Companies Can Believe In
It’s now clear that health care “reform” is a bonanza for the insurance companies. But these acquisitive businesses want even more. Their…
Oct 19, 2009
Insurance
AT&T To Raise Landline Phone Service By More Than 20 Percent
For the second time in two years, AT&T is raising local landline phone rates by more than 20 percent. The phone giant…
Oct 16, 2009
Insurance
Obama owes progressives answers on health reform
President Obama is coming to San Francisco tonight for a Democratic fundraiser. He owes the San Franciscans he will meet, in the…
Oct 15, 2009
Energy
Insurers Offer Green Incentives
Climate Change Seen As Costly To Industry Citing fears of rising costs from climate change, insurance companies have begun changing the terms…
Oct 15, 2009
Insurance
How will the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency weather industry attacks?
The first hour of debate just finished in the House Financial Services Committee on the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency. This is…
Oct 14, 2009
Insurance
Car Insurance Rates Downshifting
Whatever the case, consumers are benefitting from the lower rates. "Generally, they are coming down," said Heller. "ZIP codes that historically faced…
Oct 14, 2009Consumer Watchdog Highlights Google Hypocrisy In Differing ‘Cloud Computing’ Statements
Group Also Releases 3rd Round Of Annotated Google Documents In ‘Charmwatch’ Campaign SANTA MONICA, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today slammed Google for…
Oct 14, 2009
Privacy
Microsoft’s Sidekick Debacle Brings Much-Hyped ‘Cloud’ Back To Earth
In a letter last week to City Councilman Bernard C. Parks, John Simpson of advocacy group Consumer Watchdog noted the stark language…
Oct 14, 2009
Insurance
Schwarzenegger Vetoes Extension of Low-Cost Auto Insurance Plan
SACRAMENTO, CA -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed bipartisan legislation that would have extended California's Low Cost Auto Insurance program for low-income families.…
Oct 13, 2009
Privacy
Lobbying Said To Clip Consumer Protection Bill
The grand plan for a new federal agency that would fight for consumer rights in financial transactions has been given a hatchet…
Oct 13, 2009
Privacy
Apple Board Member Resigns His Position As A Google Director
Following the resignation of Google chief executive Eric Schmidt from the Apple board in August, Levinson has resigned his director position. Mr.…
Oct 13, 2009White House Should Respond To Health Insurer Scare Tactics By Supporting “Prior Approval” Rate Regulation
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The White House and Congress should embrace "prior approval" regulation of health care rates in response to the health…
Oct 13, 2009