Privacy

Consumer Watchdog Welcomes New Senate Privacy Panel, Calls For Wi-Spy and Do Not Track Hearings

February 15, 2011  ·  John M. Simpson

<p> <img class=" size-full wp-image-19830" alt="" class="right" src="https://consumerwatchdog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/images_senate-climate-bill-weaker_0.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 175px; " width="480" height="336" />WASHINGTON, DC — Consumer Watchdog today welcomed the creation of a new Senate subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law, to be chaired by Sen. Al Franken, D-MN, and urged the panel to hold hearings on the Google Wi-Spy scandal. The nonpartisan, nonprofit public interest group also said the new committee should consider Do Not Track Me legislation.<br /> <br />

Internet ‘Do Not Track’ Bill Introduced In Congress

February 14, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> <b>Proposed legislation is designed to protect Web users' privacy, prevent advertisers from monitoring online usage.</b></p> <p> An Internet version of the popular "Do Not Call" telephone legislation took a step toward reality on Friday, when a California Democrat introduced legislation in Congress designed to let consumers block unwanted tracking of their information online.</p>

Peninsula Rep. Sponsors ‘Do Not Track’ Online Privacy Bill

February 12, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> <a href="http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2011/02/12/peninsula-rep-sponsors-%E2%80%98do-not-track%E2%80%99-online-privacy-bill/#">Click here to listen to the audio of this broadcast</a>.</p> <p> SAN MATEO, CA (KCBS) — A “Do Not Track” bill was introduced in Congress Friday and consumer and privacy advocates are applauding the move.</p> <p> The bill would give consumers the ability to choose whether or not to allow companies to monitor their behavior online.</p>

Speier Unveils ‘Do-Not-Track’ Online Privacy Bill

February 11, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> Just a day after Rep.<strong> Bobby Rush</strong>, D-Ill., rolled out his latest online privacy legislation, Rep. <strong>Jackie Speier</strong>, D-Calif., unveiled a package of bills Friday that includes a "do-not-track" requirement giving consumers the option to opt-out of being tracked while browsing online.</p> <p> One bill features the "do-not-track" option while a second bill would "give consumers control of their own financial information."</p>

Online ‘Do Not Track’ Bill Introduced in House

February 11, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> A California congresswoman on Friday introduced a package of bills that includes an online "do not track" requirement for companies that collect personal information.</p> <p> Rep. Jackie Speier, a Democrat, introduced the <a href="http://speier.house.gov/uploads/Do%20Not%20Track%20Me%20Online%20Act.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Do Not Track Me Online Act of 2011</a>, which would give the Federal Trade Commission 18 months to come up with standards for companies to follow when it comes to online tracking.</p>

Google Blamed for Mortgage Fraud

February 11, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> Google has a policy of prohibiting deceptive advertising, such as those placed by mortgage fraudsters, however one group says the giant search engine company doesn't typically ban misleading ads from a questionable advertiser until after a company is sued by federal regulators. <a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/newsrelease/new-study-shows-how-google-aids-mortgage-rescue-ripoffs-prompting-consumer-watchdog-call">The nonprofit is calling</a> for the company whose name has become a verb to be more proactive.<br /> <br />

California Legislator Introduces Do Not Track Bill

February 11, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> As browser companies roll out their own versions of "Do Not Track," Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA) introduced a bill that would make implementing such technology a legal requirement.<br /> <br />

Web Users Concerned About Privacy on Google, Facebook. Will ‘Do Not Track’ Help?

February 10, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> Do you worry about your personal information or internet viruses when logging onto Facebook or Google? According to a <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2011-02-09-privacypoll09_ST_N.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">poll</a> from Gallup and USA Today, the majority of Americans would respond yes.</p>

Most Facebook, Google Users Worry About Privacy and Security

February 9, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> <img class=" alignright size-full wp-image-9041" alt="" src="https://consumerwatchdog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/usatgalluppollprivacy.jpg" style="width: 149px; height: 215px; float: right;" width="149" height="215" />Most Americans are worried about privacy and viruses when using Facebook or Google (GOOG), according to results of a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll released Tuesday.</p> <p> Nearly seven out of 10 Facebook members surveyed — and 52% of Google users — say they are either “somewhat” or “very concerned” about their privacy while using the world’s most popular social network and dominant search engine.</p>

Report: Privacy Worries Many Facebook, Google Users

February 9, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> A considerable number of Facebook and Google users worry about privacy and malware when using the social networking site and search engine, according to a survey from Gallup Poll and USA Today.</p>

Busy Time Ahead For Online Privacy

February 4, 2011  ·  John M. Simpson

<p> Next week will be a busy one in Washington for online privacy as at least two bills are expected to be introduced in the House.  <a href="http://speier.house.gov/">Rep. Jackie Speie</a>r, D-CA, plans to offer Do Not Track legislation and <a href="http://www.house.gov/rush/">Rep. Bobby Rush,</a> D- IL, is expected to re-introduce his online privacy bill. There's activity outside Congress as well.</p>

Google’s Search “Sting” Is Hypocritical

February 2, 2011  ·  John M. Simpson

<p> Google <a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/microsofts-bing-uses-google-search.html">is blasting</a> rival Microsoft for copying its search engine results for use on Microsoft's search service, Bing. <a href="http://www.bing.com/community/site_blogs/b/search/archive/2011/02/01/thoughts-on-search-quality.aspx">Microsoft claims</a> they did nothing wrong and that Google engaged in "a spy-novelesque stunt."</p>