Privacy

Consumer Watchdog Asks Google for More Privacy, While Firefox Adds ‘Porn Mode’

November 5, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

With Google adding a browser to its search engine, cloud applications, ad tracking and toolbar, it already knows more about you than even your mother could. But Consumer Watchdog thinks the Lords of the Web should still make it easier for people to have a bit more privacy...

Is Chrome Spying on You?

November 5, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> The nonprofit <a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/corporateering/articles/?storyId=23623">Consumer Watchdog</a> has called on Google to amend several features in its new browser that, they claim, seriously compromise your privacy on the Web. You may have noticed that whenever you start typing into Google's search field, the site starts suggesting topics for you. Google is, in fact, recording and storing every keystroke you type, regardless of whether you hit the search button or not. The company also stores your IP address, which can narrow your physical location down to within a block or two. In short, Google has compiled a profile of who you are and what you're like, along with a damn good idea of where you live. If the government would like to know as well, and can get their hands on a subpoena, there's not much you can do about it. </p>

Google Chrome Privacy Issues Prompts Plea To Google Execs

November 4, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> <strong>Chief among the group's complaints is Google Suggest, a feature found in Chrome and other Google applications like Google Toolbar.</strong> </p> <p> In an effort to publicize what it claims are the privacy failings of Google...</p>

Google’s Growth Makes Privacy Advocates Wary

November 1, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> Perhaps the biggest threat to Google Inc.'s increasing dominance of Internet search and advertising is the rising fear, justified or not, that Google's broadening reach is giving it unchecked power. "Google Suggest" sends Google searches as you type, in hopes of anticipating your desires. So if you're keying in "Electoral College 2008 election," Google will offer multiple search queries along the way. First you'd be given results related to the term "electoral," then ones on the Electoral College in general, and finally you'd get links pertaining to Tuesday's presidential vote. This is what worries Consumer Watchdog: Say you key in something that could be embarrassing or deeply personal, but reconsider before you press "Enter." The autosuggest feature still sends this phrase to Google's servers, tied to your computer's numeric Internet Protocol (IP) address. </p>

FDA insiders bucked Bush on preempting Quaid lawsuit

October 31, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> Internal FDA documents revealed by Congressman Henry Waxman show that "key FDA career officials strongly objected to Bush Administration drug labeling regulations that would preempt state liability lawsuits, asserting that the...</p>

Google Browser Keeping Tabs on Keystrokes?

October 31, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

The controversy begins when you begin typing in the Chrome browser and suggestions are made. Those suggestions are coming from Google, so with every keystroke there is a conversation between your computer and Google's server. "They are spying on you even on your keystrokes. They are watching the data that you transmit. And it's not just that Google gets to watch it, anybody that's sitting between your personal computer and Google servers, with really simple technology, can watch what you are doing on the Web," said Doug Heller with ConsumerWatchdog.org.

WSJ: Google and Yahoo might walk away from deal

October 31, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> The Wall Street Journal is <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122540817013886075.html?mod=djemalertNEWS"> reporting</a> that Google and Yahoo are closing to walking away from their proposed advertising alliance after the Justice...</p>

Bailout Watch: From taxpayer wallets to K Street?

October 28, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Financial companies may be scrambling for cash but <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lobby24-2008oct24,0,3426121.story">being low on funds hasn’t stopped their political spending</a> according to a report in the Los Angeles...

More ETF Lawsuits to Follow Qwest Case, Consumer Advocates Say

October 21, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

More lawsuits over broadband early termination fees could loom, lawyers and consumer groups said in comments on a recent suit against Qwest fees for DSL service. ETFs, common in the wireless sector, only recently have begun to see use in broadband services, with carriers using them retain existing customers, Consumer Union said. <span class="verdana">The pattern seen in suits filed so far suggests some providers have gone too far with the fees, Baller said. <a name="ORIGHIT_2"></a><a name="HIT_2"></a><span class="hit"><span>Mark Reback</span></span> of ConsumerWatchdog.org agreed, calling the Qwest case no surprise. Carriers have been "waging an abusive war" on people by overcharging, he said, and suits are a weapon consumers can wield to protect their rights.</span>

WellPoint, X Prize Launch $10M Health Care Contest

October 15, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

However, the competition smells like a public-relations move to Jerry Flanagan, health care policy director for California-based Consumer Watchdog. "What the insurance companies are trying to do is define the health care debate in terms that benefit them or at least keep them in the game," he said.

New Poll: Americans want more regulation

October 15, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> A new <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-econpoll15-2008oct15,0,6544550,full.story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LA Times/Bloomberg poll</a> says Americans believe that we need more regulation of industry in order to protect against the type of financial disaster that has led to the massive government intervention in the American banking system. </p>

Arnold’s greenwash

October 13, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> A blog at the LA Times today - <a href="http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2008/10/schwarzeneggers.html">Schwarzenegger's pale green report card</a> - highlights the weak ratings on environmental scorecards given to the man who has marketed himself as Americas green governor.  </p>