John M. Simpson

Google is blasting rival Microsoft for copying its search engine results for use on Microsoft's search service, Bing. Microsoft claims they did nothing wrong and that Google engaged in "a spy-novelesque stunt."

The drive to create a "Do Not Track" mechanism to protect consumers' online privacy as they surf the Web is gaining momentum.  Companies like Google, fearing the passage of necessary privacy laws, are scrambling to offer their versions on a voluntary basis.

SANTA MONICA, CA — Consumer Watchdog today called on Google to end the secrecy surrounding its lobbying efforts in Washington after the Internet giant refused to release an 89-page presentation it is showing to policymakers and regulators in the nation’s capital.

The call came as the Internet giant’s lobbying spending soared to $5.2 million in 2010 from $4.03 million in 2009.

SANTA MONICA, CA — Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen’s deal with Google announced today makes it clear that Congressional hearings will be necessary if the American public is to understand fully what happened in the Wi-Spy scandal, Consumer Watchdog said.

SANTA MONICA, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today sent Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) a 32-page report detailing how Google has inappropriately, benefited from its close ties to the Obama Administration, including how NASA’s Moffett Airfield, near Google’s world headquarters, has been turned into a taxpayer-subsidized private airport for Google executives used for corporate junkets. 
 

SANTA MONICA, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today welcomed the announcement that Co-Founder Larry Page will become chief executive officer of the Internet giant and expressed optimism that the changes at the top mean Google will return to the values of its founders.

Current CEO Eric Schmidt will become “executive chairman,” Google said.

It's been a tough week for Google as it faced legal challenges from around the world, the most prominent being that Department of Justice antitrust staff is preparing for the possibility of a suit to block the Internet giant's acquisition of the travel software company, ITA.