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>

Consumer Watchdog Seeks To Weigh On Google’s Privacy Settlement

August 22, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>The advocacy group Consumer Watchdog is asking a federal judge for permission to weigh in against Google's plan to pay a $22.5 million fine to settle privacy charges with the Federal Trade Commission.</p> <p>Consumer Watchdog argues that the deal in this case isn't appropriate because Google is denying liability. The nonprofit filed papers this week asking U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston to allow it to submit a friend-of-the-court brief in the case.</p>

Consumer Watchdog Challenges Google-FTC Privacy Settlement

August 22, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, is dialing up its criticism of the proposed privacy settlement between the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Google.</p> <p>The group, which blasted the settlement when it was announced two weeks ago, has now filed a motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco Division, which is tasked with approving or rejecting the proposed deal.</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>

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>

How Google Barged Into The Travel Business

August 14, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Google's slow-but-steady march into the travel and local listings business continues this week with its latest acquisition: Frommer's, the popular travel guidebook series.</p> <p><br /> Frommer's owner, John Wiley & Sons, announced the purchase early Monday, saying it had "entered a definitive agreement to sell all travel assets, including all of its interests in the Frommer's brand, to Google."</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>