Privacy
Facing Criticism, Google Tries Buffing Its Image
Google, having dealt with two major antitrust issues 2008 and facing the potential of more to come, has begun a program to…
May 7, 2009Consumer Watchdog
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Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Energy
$2 Gas Flows Again In State Summer Driving Season, Blend Changeover Cited
The Arkansas average price for regular gasoline topped $2 on Wednesday for the first time in more than six months. Demand for…
May 7, 2009
Privacy
Library Groups Voice Concerns About Google Books
Google has said the settlement will benefit authors, publishers and readers, because it will result in expanded access to books. Nonetheless, the…
May 7, 2009
Insurance
Consumer Advocates Ask Gov. Crist To Veto Home Insurance Deregulation
Four consumer advocacy groups implored Gov. Charlie Crist today to veto a bill that would allow large insurers to charge essentially unregulated…
May 6, 2009
Insurance
Florida Legislature sends home insurance deregulation bill to Gov. Crist
In recent years Floridians have seen the worst of the insurance industry. From lousy hurricane claims handling to price gouging, dumping customers…
May 6, 2009
Insurance
Court: Class Members Must Be Disclosed
Sued Companies Must Disclose Class Members, Court Says Now, lawyers suing Safeco can proceed with demands for a list of California residents…
May 5, 2009
Insurance
DC Dispatch: Americans don’t like insurance mandates, why does Sen. Baucus?
I spent the morning in the Capitol building at a Senate Finance Committee panel discussion on health care reform and expanding coverage.…
May 5, 2009
Insurance
Health Advocates Fear Betrayal – Worry Republican Pressure Will Cut Plan For Universal Care
Much of the left's consternation lies with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, Montana Democrat, who has taken the lead on drafting…
May 5, 2009
Privacy
Google Defends Book-Scanning Project
US antitrust enforcers are investigating Google's settlement with publishers over its book-scanning project, but the internet firm has defended its position. Google…
May 5, 2009
Privacy
Google Book Search Changes Slammed by Librarians
In early April 2009, a nonprofit watchdog group, Consumer Watchdog, had called upon the Justice Department to examine the ramifications of Google's…
May 5, 2009
Privacy
Lessons of the ’93 Healthcare War Muddle the Current Debate
Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus has suggested a healthcare bill could go through Congress without the public option, and activists worry…
May 5, 2009
Insurance
DC Dispatch: Taking the debate out of health care reform
Years ago, at a summit of nonprofit health care advocates convened by charitable foundations in Monterey California, I remember a fierce debate…
May 5, 2009
Privacy
Extension, Possible Review Challenge Google Settlement
For the first time since its preliminary approval in November 2008, the Google Book Search settlement is looking less like a done…
May 4, 2009
Energy
California Legislators Hire Pals, Ex-Colleagues With No Bidding
Doug Heller of Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit group that monitors Capitol spending, said politicians only increase public cynicism when they appear to…
May 4, 2009
Privacy
Libraries Ask Court To Monitor Google After Book Settlement Is Approved
Google's project to digitize books is garnering objections. Another group, Consumer Watchdog in Santa Monica, also confirmed discussions with Justice Department officials…
May 4, 2009Safeco Must Disclose Who It Surcharged for Auto Insurance, Court Rules
Lawsuit Seeking Refunds for Violations of Proposition 103 Will Proceed Santa Monica, CA – Safeco Insurance Company will be required to…
May 1, 2009
Privacy
Google In Dispute Over Book Project
The Department of Justice has opened an inquiry into the settlement, according to three people who have spoken with investigators. Such inquiries…
May 1, 2009
Privacy
Google Stands By Book Search Deal
Google has defended its online book deal amid reports it is being reviewed by the US justice department. Consumer Watchdog told the…
Apr 30, 2009