In what could be a larger push by the federal government to stem the sharing of personal online information, a federal grand jury has served internet radio provider Pandora with a subpoena looking into the practices of information sharing on mobile apps. Read more »
UPDATED: In an apparent attempt to quell concerns from parents, regulators and legislators, Apple has moved to require password entry on every iOS in-app purchase, closing a 15-minute grace period that some children used to inadvertently rack up pricey charges of virtual goods. Read more »
We are all concerned about online privacy, but not enough to do much about it, according to a new survey. Which raises the question: browsers like Firefox, Chrome and IE9 are adding support for a “Do Not Track” feature, but will anyone actually use it? Read more »
With the federal government pushing for better Do Not Track tools for online users, browser makers are stepping up with solutions aimed at helping users avoid behavioral targeting. But it’s more of a symbolic act at this point that won’t mean a huge change in privacy. Read more »
Here’s another sign that cord cutting is going mainstream: Scammer have found a new source of revenue in people’s quest to rid themselves of their cable bill, and they’ve set up dozens of web sites selling software with links to otherwise freely available video content. Read more »
The FTC has released a draft report that says online advertisers and publishers have been too slow to adopt appropriate privacy rules, and recommends a “do not track” mechanism built into web browsers. But the agency admits new laws would be required for such a move. Read more »
In light of recent outcry about social networking privacy lapses and potential misuse of users’ personal information, long-time web thought leader Esther Dyson had this to say at the marketing conference Pivot in New York City today: online privacy a marketing problem. Read more »
The media industry may be in upheaval as a result of the web, but having the government step in isn’t the right response, Google has told the Federal Trade Commission. The search company’s comments are a response to the FTC’s proposed policy changes to support journalism Read more »
The Federal Trade Commission said today it had settled with Twitter over security lapses last year that led to hackers accessing accounts on the service including that of President Barack Obama. The terms seem to be a slap on the wrist and a strong scolding. Read more »
Apple may be the media and public’s favorite son, but to the FBI and FTC, Apple is looking more like a red-headed stepchild. The FBI and FTC are collectively looking into at least three anti-trust suits against it. Read more »
“Our future well being depends more on people like Steve Jobs who invent real products that can improve our lives, than it does on people like Jamie Dimon who invent financial products that do little other than threaten our economy. So why is the FTC nosing […] Read more »
Despite apologies from Google, and changes to the innerworkings of its Buzz social networking service, a high-profile privacy group has taken its complaints to the Federal Trade Commission. The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has urged the FTC to open an investigation into Buzz. Read more »
The Federal Trade Commission today sued Intel, claiming it abused its market power and cut competitors out of the marketplace — not merely with regard to rival AMD, but also as the graphics market heats up. Nvidia must be thrilled. Read more »
Yahoo’s new Ad Interest Manager tool gives users increased control and visibility in the murky world of targeted online ads. And with federal regulators taking a hard look at targeted online ads, the timing couldn’t be better. Read more »
Former Apple Board of Directors member and current Google CEO Eric Schmidt wasn’t paid for his time at Cupertino. This despite Apple’s habitual practice of offering stock options and a $50,000 retainer to Board members, both of which Schmidt declined during his tenure. Instead, like other […] Read more »
