Privacy

Websites Allegedly Use Kids As Marketers

August 22, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p><strong>San Francisco</strong> -- McDonald's, General Mills, Subway, <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=technology%2Fdotcommentary&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Nickelodeon%22">Nickelodeon</a> and the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=technology%2Fdotcommentary&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Cartoon+Network%22">Cartoon Network</a> could all be violating online privacy rules designed to protect children.</p>

Google Buys Frommer’s Travel Guides in Yet Another Contested Move as a Content Publisher

August 21, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Google acquired Frommer’s brand of travel guides from Wiley & Sons last week, in a deal <a href="http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/13/google-to-buy-frommers-from-wiley-publishing/">reportedly worth $23 million</a>. While the actual acquisition is small by Google’s standards, it is another big indicator Google plans to continue building their business as a publisher of unique content.</p>

Groups Ask FTC To Investigate McDonald’s, General Mills Over Kids’ Privacy Law

August 21, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

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The FTC’s Threat to Web Consumers

August 19, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p><strong>The agency's vague new antitrust rule will discourage companies from innovation and vigorous competition.</strong></p>

Facebook’s Settlement Over ‘Sponsored Stories’ Blocked by Judge

August 18, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Facebook Inc. (FB), whose shares fell to a record low yesterday, failed to persuade a judge to approve a $20 million settlement resolving a lawsuit over “sponsored stories” that provides cash for advocacy groups and attorneys and no money for users.<br /> <br />

Judge Rejects Facebook Settlement Of ‘Sponsored Stories’ Lawsuit

August 17, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>A federal judge has rejected Facebook Inc.’s proposed legal settlement of allegations that the social networking giant had been unfair and deceptive in using members’ names and photos in its “Sponsored Stories” advertising without their consent.</p> <p>U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg in San Francisco said Friday that he had concerns about the proposed settlement. He asked for more information about why the agreement does not award any money to Facebook users.</p>

Google Attacked By Antitrust Watchdog Over Frommer’s Buy

August 14, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Google has snapped up travel guidebook brand Frommer's, a deal which has been attacked by a consumer group over potential antitrust implications.</p> <p>The acquisition will mean Google further increasing its online content services a year after the acquisition of restaurant ratings service Zagat. Frommer's online and print publications will offer the search giant extensive local reviews and listings content. Owners John Wiley & Sons did not reveal how much the deal was worth.</p>

Google Buys Frommer’s Travel Brand

August 14, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Google’s aggressive push into the travel business continued Monday as the company snapped up the Frommer’s brand of guidebooks.</p> <p>Analysts say Frommer’s is a natural fit for Google as it seeks to expand its original content offerings — an effort that has raised antitrust concerns in the past.</p>

Google To Buy Frommer’s Travel Guides

August 14, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>SAN FRANCISCO — Google Inc. has set its sights on the travel industry.<br /> <br /> Looking to attract more advertising dollars, Google said Monday that it would buy Frommer's travel guides from publishing house John Wiley & Sons Inc. for an undisclosed amount.<br /> <br />

Consumer Watchdog Calls for Google’s Acquisition of Frommer to be Blocked

August 14, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Google's latest attempt to add more content to its local business listings by buying travel brand Frommer has been challenged by the Consumer Watchdog.<br /> <br /> The acquisition – the financial details of which were not disclosed – would build on Google's purchase of restaurant review guide publisher Zagat in September 2011.<br /> <br /> It also reinforces a significant shift in Google's previous policy of steering away from content production and remaining neutral as a web search provider.<br /> <br />

Consumer Watchdog Asks the FTC to Block Google’s Acquisition of Frommer

August 14, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p><strong>Says it makes no sense to approve the deal</strong></p> <p>Internet services giant Google has announced plans to acquire travel brand Frommer for an undisclosed amount in a deal that has already come under fire <a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/newsrelease/consumer-watchdog-urges-regulators-block-google%E2%80%99s-purchase-frommer%E2%80%99s-travel-guides" target="_blank" title="Consumer Watchdog" rel="noopener">from Consumer Watchdog</a>.</p>

Share News of Pregnancy on Facebook

August 14, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Facebook has offered users a new way to inform their friends and relatives en masse that they're "expecting a baby."</p> <p>On Monday, the Menlo Park social-networking giant added that category to the life events that people can post to their timeline, a list that already included engagements, marriages and new pets.</p>