Privacy

Concerned About Privacy? Don’t Use Gmail

August 12, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Google’s attorneys told a federal judge that its practice of reading Gmail users’ emails to pick which ads it shows is like a secretary opening a business letter.</p> <p>Consumer Watchdog posted <a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/resources/googlemotion061313.pdf">Google’s filing</a> at the U.S. District Court of Northern California, which says in part:</p>

The Controversial, Toothless, ‘Landmark’ Mobile Transparency Code

August 2, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p><strong>"My guess is this is seen as either a starting point or just enough to placate the more vocal proponents of privacy protections," said developer Steven Bristol. "I'd say it's more to placate than anything else." Legislation to ensure consumer privacy is needed, he suggested, because "Americans aren't very good at thinking through hard problems and choosing what's best for them and their children."</strong></p> <p> </p>

5 Ways To Improve Your Privacy Online

July 30, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p class="story-summary"><strong>In this post-PRISM era, it's only natural to assume your Internet activity is an open book -- and you may just be right. "Always assume anything you put into a computer can be read by someone else and act accordingly," said John Simpson, privacy project director at Consumer Watchdog. How to reclaim some of that lost privacy? Start with these five steps.</strong></p>

Consumer Rights Groups Decry New App Transparency Code

July 30, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

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NTIA App Code Of Conduct Attracts Criticism

July 30, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p>The US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released a draft code of conduct for mobile apps, which has been criticised by consumer groups.</p> <p>If the guidelines are adopted, app publishers will need to provide short form notices telling consumers whether their data is being collected and how it’s being used.</p> <p>The code of conduct is aimed at giving consumers more control over privacy and has been developed over several years with input from privacy advocates, app developers and app store owners.</p>

NTIA Process Yields Privacy Code Seen As Unfinished Product in Need of Testing

July 29, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p>After a year, an effort by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to facilitate the development of a voluntary code of conduct on mobile privacy has resulted in what is viewed as an unfinished product that is moving into the testing phase with the support of several leading industry and consumer organizations.</p>

Some Privacy Advocates Question Mobile Apps Agreement

July 26, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p>A proposed code of conduct for mobile app developers intended to make them explain how user data is collected and used does not have a clear enforcement mechanism,  one privacy advocate said.</p>

Google Takes Big Leap Into Streaming Media

July 25, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p><strong>$35 Chromecast links Web content from computers, smartphones to TV</strong></p>

Initiative To Lift California Medical Malpractice Cap Filed

July 25, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p>The drive to raise the amount victims can recover in medical <a class="lingo_link lingo_link_hidden" href="http://topics.sacbee.com/malpractice+lawsuits/" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",Times,serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal;">malpractice lawsuits</a> may be going to California's ballot box.</p>

Watchdog Group, Father Begin Medical Malpractice Initiative Campaign

July 25, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p>SACRAMENTO -- Santa Monica-based Consumer Watchdog and the father of two children killed by a drug-abusing driver have taken the first step toward waging an initiative campaign to raise limits on medical malpractice "pain and suffering" jury awards.</p> <p>The proposed law, which was submitted for title and summary to the attorney general's office Thursday, needs petitions with valid signatures from 504,760 registered voters. Supporters hope to qualify for the November 2014 general election ballot.</p>

Industry, Advocates Finalize Mobile App Guidelines

July 25, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p>WASHINGTON (AP) — A group of industry lobbyists and privacy rights advocates voiced support Thursday for new voluntary guidelines for mobile apps that should make it easier for consumers to know what personal information is getting sucked from their smartphone or tablet and passed along to marketers.</p>

Privacy Vote Sends Mixed Signals – No Consensus On Voluntary Code Of Conduct For Apps

July 25, 2013  ·  Mark Reback

<p>This was not a good week for groups trying to hammer out voluntary privacy policies.</p> <p class="google_elide">A government-hosted multistakeholder group came close Thursday, but stopped short of agreeing on a voluntary code of conduct for how apps communicate to consumers which data they collect and share.</p> <p class="google_elide">Originally convened a year ago by the Commerce Department at the urging of the White House, the group consisted of stakeholders across the app ecosystem—from consumer and privacy advocates to app developers, publishers and advertisers. </p>