Privacy

U. Chicago Law Prof Criticizes Settlement That Could Give Google Monopoly On ‘Orphaned’ Texts

May 12, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

CHICAGO, IL -- University of Chicago law professor Randal Picker raised concerns recently over a court settlement that will grant Google the exclusive right to publish orphaned texts –- texts which remain under copyright, but whose copyright holder can't be identified or found-a move he felt could give Google a powerful monopoly. A group of professors from Harvard Law School, and the Internet Archive, have each independently filed motions to intervene in the case on the grounds of antitrust violations. Several groups, including The Internet Archive and Consumer Watchdog, have also raised concerns about the issue to the U.S. Department of Justice, which so far has not displayed any intention to involve itself in the case.

ConsumerWatchdog.org: Leaked Google Presentation Meant To Counter Fed Inquiries On Competition

May 8, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Is Google a monopoly? That question, which is increasingly gaining the attention of regulators in Washington, D.C., is also the subject of an intense public relations war between Google and detractors. Today, a new front was opened up, after a consumer advocacy group released a copy of a Google presentation on Google's business practices, along with critical commentary that casts doubt on Google's claims that it supports competition. The group, ConsumerWatchdog.org, said that the Google presentation is part of a campaign to counter federal inquiries into potentially anticompetitive practices.

How the Wolfram Alpha Search Engine Could Save Google

May 8, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> You can see a copy of a Google PowerPoint to that effect over at Silicon Alley Insider, which got it from Consumer Watchdog. That group had an advertising industry an insider tip them off and give them a rebuttal. </p>

Facing Criticism, Google Tries Buffing Its Image

May 7, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Google, having dealt with two major antitrust issues 2008 and facing the potential of more to come, has begun a program to try to spruce up its image and show that competition is alive and well. Consumer Watchdog on Friday plans to tout a Google presentation titled Google, Competition, and Openness (PDF) that the advocacy group uncovered. The company presentation (also embedded below) gives Google's views that it faces plenty of competition in a dynamic market.

Library Groups Voice Concerns About Google Books

May 7, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Google has said the settlement will benefit authors, publishers and readers, because it will result in expanded access to books. Nonetheless, the deal is drawing increasingly vocal critics. Among others, advocacy group Public Citizen opposes a portion of the settlement, as does Consumer Watchdog. Additionally, New York Law School intends to file a brief asking for antitrust oversight of the deal. Last week, it also came to light that the Justice Department was making inquiries about the settlement.

Google Defends Book-Scanning Project

May 5, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

US antitrust enforcers are investigating Google's settlement with publishers over its book-scanning project, but the internet firm has defended its position. Google reached an agreement in October to create a $125 million fund to pay authors to have their work scanned and made available online. The US Justice Department became involved after representatives for Consumer Watchdog and the American Antitrust Institute raised concerns earlier this month, according to Bloomberg News.

Google Book Search Changes Slammed by Librarians

May 5, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

In early April 2009, a nonprofit watchdog group, Consumer Watchdog, had called upon the Justice Department to examine the ramifications of Google's plan to scan so-called "orphan books," which are volumes still under copyright but whose rights-holders cannot be found, into its growing library of digital text. An advocate for the group argued in a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder that such a deal would need to be reviewed to ensure that it had sufficient consumer protections.

Lessons of the ’93 Healthcare War Muddle the Current Debate

May 5, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus has suggested a healthcare bill could go through Congress without the public option, and activists worry that even Health Committee chairman Edward M. Kennedy, their longtime advocate, is considering trading away the public option. "The right to healthcare you have championed is not the same as the requirement to buy private insurance," declared the liberal group Consumer Watchdog in a pleading letter to Kennedy.

Extension, Possible Review Challenge Google Settlement

May 4, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

For the first time since its preliminary approval in November 2008, the Google Book Search settlement is looking less like a done deal. On April 28, New York federal judge Denny Chin granted a four-month extension, delaying the initial May 5 deadline to opt out or object to the Google settlement until September 4, with a fairness hearing now set for October 7. The ruling leaves all other dates in place, at least for now, but raises questions about the deal's prospects for final approval.

Libraries Ask Court To Monitor Google After Book Settlement Is Approved

May 4, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>Google's project to digitize books is garnering objections.</strong><br /> <br /> Another group, Consumer Watchdog in Santa Monica, also confirmed discussions with Justice Department officials on the effects of the settlement on competition.

Google In Dispute Over Book Project

May 1, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

The Department of Justice has opened an inquiry into the settlement, according to three people who have spoken with investigators. Such inquiries don't necessarily turn into formal investigations, though some advocates are pressing the government to get involved. "We'd like to have them intervene and delay the settlement until the antitrust issues get fixed," said John M. Simpson of Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit group that contacted the Justice Department about the settlement a month ago.

Google Stands By Book Search Deal

April 30, 2009  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<div class="headline"> </div> <!--S mvb--> <!--S mvb--> <!--E mvb--><strong>Google has defended its online book deal amid reports it is being reviewed by the US justice department.</strong><br /> <p> Consumer Watchdog told the BBC it was one of a number of groups involved in calling on the Department of Justice to act "We felt the deal set up an unfair monopolistic situation for Google," explained Consumer Watchdog advocate John M. Simpson. "We do need to have the world's books digitized but I think there are very big concerns if one internet giant is able to dominate the digital market. We want a level playing field here," Mr. Simpson said. </p>