John M. Simpson

Google Finally Improves Security Of Gmail Connections As Consumer Watchdog Urged

Santa Monica, CA --  In the wake of cyber attacks from China Google has announced it will improve security for consumers connecting…

Jan 14, 2010

Energy

What does Google’s power play mean?

Google last week asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for permission to buy and sell electric power like...

Jan 11, 2010

Privacy

How Google peddles its stuff

Google is notorious for maintaining a clutter-free, minimalist home page. It famously resisted adding a "privacy" link because adding the word would…

Jan 7, 2010

Privacy

Google is still the 800-pound gorilla

Google acted again Tuesday to ensure that will be a dominant player in the increasingly important mobile market.  It clearly wants to…

Jan 6, 2010

Privacy

What’s Google’s next plan for mobile?

Tuesday is a big day for those trying to figure out just what Google is planning for the increasingly important mobile phone…

Jan 5, 2010

Privacy

Consumer Groups Ask FTC To Block Google’s AdMob Deal

Two consumer groups asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to block Google Inc.'s (GOOG) proposed $750 million acquisition of mobile advertising company…

Dec 28, 2009

Privacy

Google’s privacy PR meaningless until CEO Schmidt gets it

Last Friday Google's Christine Chen, posted an article about the Internet giant's approach to privacy, complete with a set of 20 slides,…

Dec 22, 2009

Insurance

Stem cell board triples vice chair’s pay

After only nine months on the job as vice chair of California's stem cell agency, former State Democratic Chairman Art Torres has…

Dec 11, 2009

Privacy

Comparing Democratic, GOP fundraisers

Both the Democratic and Republican Senate campaign committees are holding big fundraisers -- the Democrats today at Google headquarters and the Republicans…

Nov 13, 2009

Privacy

Google To Unveil New Privacy Controls

Google Inc. will announce a feature tomorrow that will give users more control over their online privacy, according to a consumer advocate…

Nov 4, 2009

Privacy

Con: Why Los Angeles Should Worry About Google’s E-mail System

Google wants the city of Los Angeles to switch its 30,000 e-mail users to an Internet-based system it operates, but rather than…

Oct 27, 2009

Privacy

Google Using ‘Double Talk’ On Cloud Security, Says L.A. Consumer Group

A consumer advocacy group that is opposed to a plan by the city of Los Angeles to adopt Google's hosted e-mail and…

Oct 15, 2009

Consumer Watchdog Says Genetech’s Levinson Correct To Resign From Google Board

SANTA MONICA, CA -- Arthur D. Levinson, a member of both Google and Apple's boards, acted correctly in resigning from Google's board,…

Oct 12, 2009

Consumer Watchdog Tells Blue Dog Democrats Not To Be Insurance Company Lapdogs

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Consumer Watchdog today called on Congressional Democrats to support a robust public option and rate regulation as a part…

Sep 29, 2009

Consumer Watchdog Backs Digital Libraries, Opposes Google Books Settlement Deal

Testimony Says Deal Violates Law, Is Anti-Competitive And Raises Privacy Concerns WASHINGTON, DC -- The proposed Google Books settlement should be rejected…

Sep 10, 2009

Privacy

Following the money in L.A.’s proposed Google email deal

L.A. City council is wrestling with a proposal to shift the city's 30,000 email users and other computer applications to a system…

Aug 25, 2009

Healthcare

California stem cell board backs public option for healthcare reform

Between voting to reject most of the recommendations from the state's good government panel and handing out $16 million in grants to…

Aug 21, 2009

Privacy

Consumer Watchdog thwarts proposed stem cell regulation loophole

Proposed changes in the California stem cell agency's regulations that would have created loopholes...

Aug 20, 2009