The CCIA, an industry trade group representing the interests of the likes of Google and Microsoft, asked us to let you know they’ve started an online petition at DefendFairUse.org.
Meet The "CCIA": Google, Microsoft's Industry Group Attacks Copyright Bullying
By 8.1.07
Google, Microsoft, and others speaking through the Computer and Communications Industry Association or CCIA, have announced their intention to file a complaint with the FCC accusing copyright holders such as Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the MPAA and the RIAA of “overstating” their rights in various consumer warnings.
Wireless Consumers Both Win and Lose With New FCC Rules
By 8.1.07
You win some, you lose some. Google’s bid to created an open wireless network was only partially sucessful today as the FCC rejected some of the search giant’s conditions, but adopted others.
Google Phone Is Coming: Google Says It Will Invest 4.6 Billion To Aquire Wireless Frequencies
By 7.21.07
Google has announced that it will invest 4.6 billion dollars to acquire radio frequencies being abandoned by television broadcasts as they turn digital. The frequencies could be used to provide wireless phone and data services.
Google Buys GrandCentral
By 7.3.07
Google has acquired telephone service GrandCentral, and has taken the service “invite only” as they incorporate GC’s technology into Google.
Google To Anonymize Search Records After 18 Months
By 6.12.07
After considering the Working Party’s concerns, we are announcing a new policy: to anonymize our search server logs after 18 months, rather than the previously-established period of 18 to 24 months. We believe that we can still address our legitimate interests in security, innovation and anti-fraud efforts with this shorter period. However, we must point out that future data retention laws may obligate us to raise the retention period to 24 months. We also firmly reject any suggestions that we could meet our legitimate interests in security, innovation and anti-fraud efforts with any retention period shorter than 18 months.
Google is currently deep in a fight with Privacy International, a watchdog group that picked Google as leading ‘the race to the bottom’ of privacy standards.
Google Streets View Project Manager Speaks About Privacy Concerns
By 6.6.07
Freakonomics has an interview with Stephen Chau, the product manager for Google Maps, about Google’s new feature “Streets View” and the resulting concerns consumers have had about their privacy after several people were caught on Google’s cameras sunbathing, leaving strip clubs, or um…whatever.
3. Did you address specific privacy concerns from the outset?
Remove Your Phone Number From Google Phonebook
By 5.8.07
If you don’t want Google’s information tentacles posting your phone number and address on the internet, you may want to remove it from their directory.
Reach Time Warner Cable Executive Customer Service Redux
By 5.4.07
UPDATE 8/28/07: Barry Rosenblum’s direct line: 212-598-7389
Google's Roth IRA Questions Answered
By 5.1.07
Blueprint for Financial Prosperity is doing a neat thing where he looks at his site stats to see what Roth IRA questions people are typing into Google that direct them to his blog, and then he answers them in a post.
Google Is More Important Than Coca-Cola
By 4.24.07
Google was ranked #7 only a year ago. —MEGHANN MARCO
Big Box Watch Tracks New Retail Stores On Google Mashup
By 4.19.07
Big Box Watch is a Google Maps mashup showing where new retail stores are being built.
Become A Google Finance Power User
By 4.16.07
Ask The Advisor has 13 tips to maximize your experience with Google Finance, a free online stock and company information tool. Number 11 tells you how to get multiple quotes at the same time:
Google Housing Lets You Search Real Estate And Rental Listings
By 4.10.07
Google now offers housing listings.
Google Offers Free Directory Assistance, Adds To Your Permanent File
By 4.8.07
Google Voice Local Search has emerged from the Google Labs to provide free directory assistance. A call to 1-800-GOOG-411 connects you to a pleasant automated operator who asks for your city and state. From there, you can narrow your search by business or category. When Google finds your business, it offers to either connect you for free, or text the details to your phone. The service does not currently support ads.
Gmail Disables User Accounts Without Reason Or Warning
By 4.6.07
UPDATE: Gmail says they accidentally disabled a huge swatch of user accounts in an attempt to fight a large spammer network, and is actively reinstating these accounts.
We Got In Google News
Hey, we got in Google News. Thanks to everyone who filled out the petition two weeks ago. Onwards and upwards, excelsior, etcetera. — BEN POPKEN