Privacy
Google’s DNT Function Is Deceptive
The drive to create a "Do Not Track" mechanism to protect consumers' online privacy as they surf the Web is gaining momentum. …
Feb 2, 2011John M. Simpson
John M. Simpson is an American consumer rights advocate and former journalist. Since 2005, he has worked for Consumer Watchdog, a nonpartisan nonprofit public interest group, as the lead researcher on Inside Google, the group's effort to educate the public about Google's dominance over the internet and the need for greater online privacy.
Articles by John M. Simpson
Privacy
Liars and Loans: How Deceptive Advertisers Use Google
Google has been a prominent beneficiary of the national home loan and foreclosure crisis of the past two years. The giant search…
Feb 1, 2011
Consumer Watchdog Calls On Google To End Secrecy As Lobbying Hits $5.2 million
SANTA MONICA, CA — Consumer Watchdog today called on Google to end the secrecy surrounding its lobbying efforts in Washington after the…
Jan 31, 2011
Privacy
Connecticut AG’s Wi-Spy Deal With Google Shows Need for Congressional Hearings, Consumer Watchdog Says
SANTA MONICA, CA — Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen’s deal with Google announced today makes it clear that Congressional hearings will be…
Jan 28, 2011
Consumer Watchdog Sends Issa’s Oversight Committee Google Report Showing Inappropriate Relationship With Obama Administration
SANTA MONICA, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today sent Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) a 32-page report detailing how Google has inappropriately, benefited from…
Jan 24, 2011
Consumer Watchdog Welcomes Larry Page As Google’s CEO
SANTA MONICA, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today welcomed the announcement that Co-Founder Larry Page will become chief executive officer of the Internet…
Jan 20, 2011
Privacy
Google Faces Legal Challenges Worldwide
It's been a tough week for Google as it faced legal challenges from around the world, the most prominent being that Department…
Jan 14, 2011
Privacy
Lost in the Cloud: Google and the U.S. Government
An ambitious quest for influence with the U.S. government is starting to pay off for tech giant Google, a Consumer Watchdog investigation…
Jan 12, 2011
Privacy
Wi-Spying Broke South Korean Law; Multi-state Probe Continues
South Korean police said Thursday that Google broke the country's privacy laws when its Street View cars gathered personal information from private…
Jan 6, 2011
Privacy
FTC Chairman Explains Do Not Track Rules
Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz, writing in U.S. News & World Report this week, offers one of the clearest explanations I've…
Jan 4, 2011
Privacy
Ex-Googler Leaves The White House
Former Google executive Andrew McLaughlin has resigned as Deputy Chief Technology Officer in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy,…
Dec 23, 2010
Smartphones Need “Do Not Track Me†Function, Consumer Watchdog Says After Wall Street Journal Article Shows Extensive Data Sharing By Companies
Santa Monica, CA — The Do Not Track Me function proposed in the Federal Trade Commission’s recently released online privacy report must…
Dec 20, 2010
Privacy
Viewpoints: Stem Cell Chief Needs To Let Go Of The Reins
The following Op-Ed commentary by John M. Simpson was published in the Sacramento Bee on Tuesday, December 14, 2010: As his…
Dec 14, 2010
Privacy
Connecticut AG Demands Wi-Spy Data
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who is leading a multi-state probe into Google's Wi-Spying activity is demanding the Internet giant turn over…
Dec 10, 2010Consumer Watchdog Welcomes Microsoft’s Privacy Tool But Stresses Do Not Track Me Legislation is Still Essential
SANTA MONICA, CA — Consumer Watchdog welcomed Microsoft’s announcement today that the company will offer “Tracking Protection” next year, but said robust…
Dec 7, 2010Consumer Watchdog Welcomes EU Antitrust Probe of Google; Calls On U.S. Justice Department To Launch Investigation
WASHINGTON — Consumer Watchdog today welcomed the European Union’s antitrust investigation of Google and reiterated its call for the the U.S. Justice…
Nov 30, 2010Consumer Groups Call on FTC to Investigate Interactive Marketing of Pharmaceutical and Health Products and Services to Consumers and Health Professionals
CONTACT: Jeff Chester, Center for digital Democracy, [email protected], 202-494-7100; Ed Mierzwinski, U.S. PIRG, [email protected], 202-546-9707, ext .314; Pam Dixon, World Privacy Forum,…
Nov 23, 2010
Privacy
Google Employee’s Misleading Testimony Prompts Consumer Watchdog To Call For Wi-Spy Hearing
SANTA MONICA, CA – Consumer Watchdog today asked the House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings into Google’s Wi-Spying because a…
Nov 11, 2010