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, 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
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, 2009Oil 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, 2009Billionaire 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
Allow States to Adopt Single Payer Health Care, Not Just Weak “Co-Ops”
Washington D.C. -- Any national health reform compromise that allows states to adopt ineffective health care "co-ops" should also allow states to…
Jul 29, 2009Consumer Watchdog Calls On Feds To Get User Privacy And Antitrust Guarantees In Proposed Microsoft-Yahoo! Deal
Santa Monica CA -- The proposed 10-year partnership on Internet search and search advertising between Microsoft and Yahoo! must be closely scrutinized…
Jul 29, 2009
Privacy
Jerry Brown’s Favorite Charities Get Millions
Carmen Balber of Consumer Watchdog of Washington, D.C., said "in the most ethical sense, the candidate does not control these payments. But…
Jul 29, 2009
Insurance
Former Health Insurance Exec Champions Reform
Wendell Potter choked up a few times recalling the events that turned him from the chief spokesman for health insurer Cigna Corp.…
Jul 29, 2009
Insurance
Senate’s ‘Potato-Chip Caucus’ takes ax to health reform
Six small-state U.S. senators sitting around a table and munching chocolate-dipped potato chips are about to chop off the two pillars of…
Jul 28, 2009
Privacy
Suit Against Apple for Selling Defective iPod NANOs
Apple introduced the slim, first-generation iPod Nano in 2005 to much fanfare. Unfortunately for many consumers, the product quickly developed cracks and…
Jul 28, 2009