Consumer Watchdog

Privacy

Google And Apple Not Off The Hook

The resignation of Google's Eric Schmidt as a director of Apple's board has failed to halt a government inquiry into possible antitrust…

Aug 4, 2009

Privacy

Google CEO Eric Schmidt Resigns From Apple’s Board

Google CEO Eric Schmidt's resignation today from Apple's board underscored that it when comes to business, competition is thicker than friendship. Meanwhile,…

Aug 4, 2009

Privacy

FTC Says Google, Apple Probe Still On As Spotlight Shifts

Consumer Watchdog Wants Genentech Exec To Quit Google Or Apple Board Consumer Watchdog, formerly known as the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer…

Aug 3, 2009

Privacy

U.S. FTC To Press On With Apple-Google Board Probe

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said it will continue to investigate the relationship between the boards of Apple Inc.…

Aug 3, 2009

Privacy

Genentech’s Levinson Still Straddles Apple, Google

Now that Google chairman and chief executive Eric Schmidt no longer serves on the board of Apple, an industry group is calling…

Aug 3, 2009

Consumer Watchdog Calls On Genetech Exec To Quit Either Google Or Apple Board

Santa Monica, CA -- Genentech Board Chairman Arthur D. Levinson should quit as a director of either Internet giant Google or Apple…

Aug 3, 2009

Healthcare

If you like the insurance you have…

Everyone in DC keeps assuring Americans they can keep the private health insurance they have now, if they like it. Yet health…

Aug 3, 2009

Insurance

Initiative To Change Calif. Auto Insurance Rating Factor Proposed, Faces Criticism

Californians for Fair Auto Insurance Rates is working on gaining support for a voter initiative aimed at the 2010 ballot that reward…

Aug 3, 2009

Privacy

Grad student sparks online advertising reforms

A week ago I wrote about how a graduate student, Chris Soghoian, had exposed the online industry-touted...

Jul 31, 2009

Privacy

Long Term, The Microsoft-Yahoo Deal Could Benefit Consumers

John Simpson of Consumer Watchdog raised concerns about how users' personal data is collected, stored and shared. He's worried about "up-until-now separate…

Jul 31, 2009

Insurance

DC Dispatch: Health care debate is time to dial for HMO dollars

What with the future of health care reform being shaped in both the House and Senate this week one might be tempted…

Jul 31, 2009

Healthcare

Lobbying orgies, big and small, on health reform

The lobbying dollars being lathered around Congress are the best reason to click here and send a message to your members of…

Jul 30, 2009

Oil Price Spike, As Exxon And Others’ Profit Skids, Shows Potential For New Economy-Killing Energy Roller Coaster, Says Consumer Watchdog

Profit Reports Offer More Proof That Oil Prices Are Disconnected From Actual Petroleum Santa Monica, CA -- On the same day that…

Jul 30, 2009

Privacy

Microsoft-Yahoo Deal Faces Moderate Antitrust Scrutiny, Say Experts

Microsoft and Yahoo finally tied the knot, but they signed an expansive pre-nup to limit antitrust scrutiny. Vocal Google critic Consumer Watchdog…

Jul 30, 2009

Billionaire Insurance Exec Attacks Middle Class With Ballot Initiative To Increase Auto Insurance Premiums

Fine Print Contains Hidden Penalties, Taxpayer Costs   Santa Monica, CA -- The billionaire chairman of Los Angeles-based Mercury Insurance Company is…

Jul 30, 2009

Privacy

Consumer Advocates Exhort DOJ, FTC To Scrutinize Microsoft-Yahoo Deal

John Simpson, an advocate with non-profit group Consumer Watchdog, also said the Microhoo deal must be closely scrutinized by the Federal Trade…

Jul 30, 2009

Privacy

Microsoft, Yahoo Finally Sign Search Deal

Microsoft and Yahoo clearly are bracing for regulatory scrutiny. The news release emphasized that the two companies will "continue to compete vigorously"…

Jul 30, 2009

Privacy

Microsoft-Yahoo! Pact Hit With Anti-Trust Question

Three-Into-Two Doesn't Wash Consumer Watchdog noted the competitive search and advertising landscape will deteriorate - not improve - if the result is…

Jul 29, 2009