Last-Minute Proposed Changes Could Weaken Landmark CA Privacy Rules, Consumer Watchdog Calls on Commission to Tighten Rules in New Report Outlining Regulations
Los Angeles, CA—As California begins to finalize a groundbreaking privacy law this week, Consumer Watchdog is calling on the agency drafting regulations to tighten rules so users can take back their private data.
Last-minute changes to the rules include getting rid of the requirement to identify third-party recipients of data and allowing businesses to forgo displaying the privacy choices made by consumers.
Consumer Watchdog Says California Drivers Need Protections Against Misuse Of Technology By Insurers
By Dave LaChance, REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS
September 23, 2022
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2022/09/23/consumer-watchdog-says-ca…
Consumer protection organization Consumer Watchdog is urging California’s insurance commissioner to protect the state’s residents against the misuse of computer algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) by insurers.
Californians Need Protection Against Insurance Industry’s Use of Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, Consumer Watchdog Will Tell Insurance Commissioner
Los Angeles, CA -- The insurance industry’s use of algorithms and Artificial Intelligence to set premiums and determine who can get insurance coverage is a serious threat to Californians and a violation of California law, Consumer Watchdog will tell the Insurance Commissioner at a public meeting today called to examine high-tech bias and discrimination by insurance companies.
Lauded Federal Data Privacy Bill Has A Carveout For Government Surveillance
By Ben Zeisloft, THE DAILY WIRE
September 9, 2022
https://www.dailywire.com/news/lauded-federal-data-privacy-bill-has-a-c…
The American Data Privacy and Protection Act, a key piece of federal online privacy legislation, appears to have a carveout for organizations gathering data for the government.
Privacy Groups Urge Pelosi to Halt Preemption of California Privacy Law
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog and a coalition of nonprofits opposed preemption of California’s landmark privacy law in a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today urging her to protect the rights of 40 million Californians.
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), strengthened by voters in 2020 with the California Privacy Rights Act to give people unprecedented control over their personal data collected by businesses, would be preempted by the federal American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA).
Consumer Watchdog Calls on State Privacy Board to Tighten Draft Regulations as Hearings Commence
Los Angeles, CA -- As a two-day comment period begins today over new privacy regulations, Consumer Watchdog is highlighting stringent rules for personal data use as well as red flags to be addressed if Californians wish to maximize control over their personal information.
The California Privacy Protection Agency is taking public comment on Wednesday and Thursday pursuant to drafting regulations implementing the California Consumer Privacy Rights Act, amended by voters in 2020 to provide consumers with more control over their personal data.
Social Media Addiction Bill Fails In California Legislature
By Adam Beam, ASSOCIATED PRESS
August 11, 2022
https://apnews.com/article/social-media-california-legislature-f5fd4c8a…
California lawmakers on Thursday rejected a proposal that could have forced some popular social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to pay fines for using features they know can harm children.
LexisNexis Survey Shows Strong Interest In Connected Services Among Vehicle Buyers
By Dave LaChance, REPAIRER DRIVEN NEWS
July 27, 2022
https://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2022/07/27/lexisnexis-survey-shows-s…
Nearly 8 in 10 car buyers signed up for a free trial of their vehicle’s connected services when it was offered by a dealer, and nearly half converted to a paid subscription when their free trial ended, according to a LexisNexis Risk Solutions survey published Tuesday.
Californians Should Decide Whether Its OK For Their Cars Spy On Them
Op-Ed Commentary by Justin Kloczko, Consumer Watchdog for CALMATTERS
Appeared in: Mercury News, Marin Independent Journal, East Bay Times, Santa Ynez Valley News, Lompoc Record, Santa Maria Times, San Francisco Examiner, The Desert Sun, Ventura County Star, Davis Enterprise, Akron Beacon Journal, The Daily Oklahoman, Abilene Reporter-News, South Bend Tribune, Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Arizona Daily Star
July 18, 2022
The Department of Insurance Obstructs Access to Public Records Regarding “Connected Cars” in Wake of Industry Lobbying
Los Angeles, CA - The Department of Insurance has engaged in a “pattern and practice of obstructing access to public records,” according to Consumer Watchdog.
The latest public records failure for the Department of Insurance relates to “telematics,” a method of monitoring and/or controlling automobiles or other vehicles by using one or more technologies.
California Poised to Be First State to Stop Geolocation Tracking, New Report Shows Need For Privacy Protections From Connected Cars
LOS ANGELES, CA — A new report details the privacy problems posed for consumers from connected cars and points to new rules to be developed in California as a potential model across the country, if the rules can withstand lobbying by the powerful auto and insurance industries.
KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA: New Report Shows Your Car Might Be Spying On You
By Rob Archer, KNX 1070 AM Los Angeles, CA
March 30, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Justin Kloczko with Consumer Watchdog talks about his new report focusing on how "connected cars" might be spying on you and how you should be able to opt out of the tracking.
SPYING CARS
By Susannah Luthi, POLITICO PRO
March 30, 2022
SPYING CARS: According to a new report from Consumer Watchdog, car companies are collecting and sharing a growing amount of drivers' personal data, Luthi writes.
KCBS AM, San Francisco, CA: Connected Cars May Be Violating Your Digital Privacy
By Mike DeWald, KCBS 740 AM, San Francisco, CA
March 30, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Justin Kloczko explains how connected cars are mining consumers' private data.
KGO 810 AM San Francisco, CA: Are Cars Spying On Us?
Host: Pat Thurston, KGO 810 AM San Francisco, CA
March 30, 2022
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment.
Consumer Watchdog's Jamie Court joins Pat to talk about the dangers of geolocation tracking in vehicles and how consumers should demand protection of their privacy.
How To Stop Insurance Companies and Automakers From Stealing California Driver’s Privacy
By Lynn Walford, AUTO CONNECTED CAR NEWS
March 30, 2022
https://www.autoconnectedcar.com/2022/03/how-to-stop-insurance-companie…
Jamie Court from Consumer Watch dog writes, carmakers and auto insurance companies are trying to track your every movement in your car and use that information against you. Now Californians have a chance to stop them.
Report from California Watchdog Group Calls for Privacy Protections from Connected Cars
By Staff Reporters, INSURANCE JOURNAL
March 30, 2022
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2022/03/30/660471.htm
A new report from a consumer group calls out what it says are privacy problems posed for consumers from connected cars and it points to new rules to be developed in California as a potential model across the country.
Opinion: California Air Board Should Force Tesla Divestment Of Bitcoin
Opinion By Jamie Court for THE MERCURY NEWS
May 25, 2021
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/05/25/opinion-california-air-board-sho…
When Elon Musk joked on Saturday Night Live that cryptocurrency was a “hustle,” he unwittingly summed up the strategy by which Tesla has fleeced the state of California.
Verkada Breach Spotlights Ongoing Concerns Over Surveillance Firms' Security
By Sean Lyngaas, CYBERSCOOP
March 19, 2021
https://www.cyberscoop.com/verkada-breach-surveillance-facial-recogniti…
Even for Elisa Costante, who studies vulnerabilities in surveillance devices for a living, the breach at the security-camera startup Verkada was startling.
Privacy Rising With Passage of Prop 24
Californians enacted the strongest privacy law in America, Proposition 24, the California Privacy Rights Act, on election night by 56%.
California Voters Back New Data Privacy Law Beefing Up CCPA
By Jonathan Greig, TECH REPUBLIC
November 5, 2020
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/california-voters-back-new-data-pr…
Millions of California voters have backed a controversial amendment to the state's consumer privacy laws, voting in favor of Proposition 24 by a 56%-44% margin.
Proposition 24, Which Amends Consumer Privacy Laws, Passes
By Staff Reporters, CBS Sacramento TV-13
November 4, 2020
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2020/11/04/proposition-24-the-propositi…
Proposition 24 has passed, the Associated Press reports.
California's Prop. 24 Splits Privacy Advocates
Critics worry that the curatives in Prop. 24 are worse than the disease of privacy-rights violations.
By Seth Rosenblatt, DARK READING
November 2, 2020
https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint/californias-prop-24-splits-privacy…
Watchdog Group Says Google Gave California Voters Biased Search Results
In a letter to the Senate Elections Committee, Consumer Watchdog questions the Big Tech company's motives
By Julia Musto, FOX BUSINESS
October 31, 2020
https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/watchdog-group-calls-for-investiga…
Google Algorithm Biased Against California Privacy Initiative Prop 24; Consumer Watchdog Calls For Investigation And Hearings
Los Angeles, CA -- Consumer Watchdog today called for the Senate Elections Committee to investigate why a Google search for Prop 24 was, until last night, the only one of 12 ballot initiatives where the result for the nonpartisan Secretary of State reflected the “Con” argument’s negative propaganda.
Experts Split On Calif.’s Prop 24
By Patrick W. Dunne, DIGITAL PRIVACY NEWS
October 29, 2020
https://digitalprivacy.news/2020/10/29/privacy-experts-split-on-calif-s…
California residents will vote Tuesday on a divisive privacy initiative: Prop 24, also known as the California Privacy Rights and Enforcement Act.
KCBS AM SF: Prop 24 Will Strengthen Privacy Regs in CA
By Doug Sovern, KCBS AM San Francisco, CA
October 27, 2020
Click here to listen to Carmen Balber of Consumer Watchdog explain how Prop 24 will strengthen privacy protections in California: https://consumerwatchdog.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/RADKCBS_Carmen…
Prop 24 Privacy Initiative
By Nicole Nixon, KPBS, CAPITOL PUBLIC RADIO
October 23, 2020
https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/san-diego-news-matters/2020/oct/23/candid…
Californians are voting on a dozen ballot propositions this election, including Prop 24, which would tweak the state’s new digital privacy law. CapRadio’s Nicole Nixon reports.
Consumer Reports Endorses California Ballot Initiative To Broaden Privacy Law
By Wendy Davis, MEDIAPOST DIGITAL NEWS DAILY
October 23, 2020
https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/357145/consumer-reports-…
The influential watchdog Consumer Reports has endorsed a ballot initiative aimed at strengthening California's already broad privacy law.
Election 2020: Prop. 24 Would Strengthen State's New Digital Privacy Law
By J. Jennings Moss, SILICON VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
October 9, 2020
https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2020/10/09/prop-24-would-…
By J. Jennings Moss – Silicon Valley Business Journal
10 hours ago
Proposition 24: Big Tech Quiet In California Data Privacy Initiative Fight
By John Woolfolk, THE MERCURY NEWS
October 5, 2020
https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/10/05/prop-24-big-tech-quiet-in-califo…
Proposition 24 on the November ballot is pitched as an expansion of California's already robust consumer data privacy law, an iron cuff on the claws of companies that profit handsomely from tracking and selling your online search, travel and purchase habits to marketers.
KPCC 89.9FM Pasadena: A New Bill Aims To Expand Consumer Privacy Laws, But Opponents Say To Read The Fine Print
Host - Larry Mantle, AIR TALK - KPCC 89.3 FM SCPR Pasadena, CA
September 30, 2020
Click here to listen to the audio of this radio broadcast segment: https://www.scpr.org/programs/airtalk/2020/09/30/66072/a-new-bill-aims-…
This November, Californians will find a new privacy bill on their ballots.
How Kamala Harris Forged Close Ties With Big Tech
Silicon Valley has enthusiastically backed Ms. Harris since she first ran for state attorney general in California a decade ago.
By Daisuke Wakabayashi, Stephanie Saul and Kenneth P. Vogel, THE NEW YORK TIMES
August 20, 2020
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/20/technology/kamala-harris-ties-to-big…
CAMPAIGN MODE: Consumer Watchdog Will Endorse Prop. 24
By Jeremy B. White, Carla Marinucci, Graph Massara and Aaron Leathley, POLITICO PLAYBOOK
August 13, 2020
https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-playbook/2020/08/13/evi…
Consumer Watchdog Endorses Prop 24 For Consumer Privacy
Los Angeles, CA --- The nonprofit Consumer Watchdog today endorsed the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), Proposition 24, as a major step forward to enshrine the privacy rights of Californians and safeguard it from legislative assault, add key new protections, and introduce a tough European privacy regime to California.
On Policy Issues, Aligned With Biden, Left of Center
By Matt Stevens, Thomas Kaplan and Stephanie Saul, THE NEW YORK TIMES
August 12, 2020
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/11/us/politics/kamala-harris-issues-pol…
Ms. Harris sometimes struggled to clearly define her stances during her unsuccessful presidential campaign. But in recent months, she has emerged as a leading voice on racial justice and inequality.
EU Digital Czar to Probe Facebook's and Google's Data Wrangling
By John P. Mello, Jr., TECH NEWS WORLD
December 3, 2019
https://www.technewsworld.com/story/EU-Digital-Czar-to-Probe-Facebooks-…
The European Union has launched a probe into how Google and Facebook gather, process, use and monetize data for advertising purposes.
Consumer Watchdog Shares Ways To Avoid Online Holiday Scams
By Vanessa Borge, Good Day LA, KTTV FOX TV-11 Los Angeles, CA
November 21 2019
https://www.foxla.com/news/consumer-watchdog-shares-ways-to-avoid-onlin…
LOS ANGELES - It's the holidays meaning more of us are shopping - specifically shopping online.
Microsoft Shakes Up Privacy Debate
By Chris Mills Rodrigo, Maggie Miller, Chris Mills Rodrigo, THE HILL - HILLICON VALLEY
November 13, 2019
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/overnights/470370-hillicon-valley…
SHAKE IT UP/OFF: Microsoft shook up the debate over privacy rules with its announcement that the company will follow the principles of California's tough online privacy law across the U.S.
Encrypting Domain Names Will Boost Web Security, Watchdogs Tell Congress
By Wendy Davis, DIGITAL NEWS DAILY - MEDIAPOST
October 23, 2019
https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/342396/encrypting-domain…
A controversial new technology that encrypts domain name requests would boost online privacy and security, watchdogs say in a new letter to lawmakers.
Consumer Watchdog Calls Upon Circuit Court to Re-Interpret Internet Law Abused by Tech Companies
LOS ANGELES – An Internet law often cited by tech companies as a defense from any liability for material posted on their platforms must not be used as a shield by Grindr in a suit brought by a man who was victimized by posts on the site, Consumer Watchdog said today.
Backpage’s Court Settlement with Three of Its Sex Trafficking Victims Won’t Stop Bipartisan Efforts to Amend Internet Law
SANTA MONICA, CA – A confidential settlement in a civil suit brought in Seattle against Backpage by three of the website’s victims will not stop a bipartisan Congressional effort to amend a key Internet law so websites that facilitate sex trafficking can be prosecuted, Consumer Watchdog said today.
Word of the legal settlement came as IBM Corp. endorsed a bipartisan Senate bill to amend the law and the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the House version of the bill.
