Feds Launch Search Into Google Deal

Firm hopes to allay concerns about its DoubleClick buy

(NEWSER) - Google is working to ease concerns about privacy infringement in online advertising, ComputerWorld reports. The online giant hosted a meeting for the Consumer Privacy Legislative Forum, a group working to get a bill protecting online consumers’ information passed in Congress. Google will also file comments concerning the FTC’s proposed privacy regulations, which advocate transparency in the collection of user’s personal info. More»

Search engine vows to 'radically redesign' security features

(NEWSER) - Google promised to step up its privacy protection yesterday, after European officials rebuked the search giant for storing data that could reveal political opinions, religious beliefs, and sexual preferences. Google will limit the amount of time it retains user data to 18 months and will "radically design" its cookie system, reducing their expiration time from 30 years to as low as 2. More»

"Don't be evil" motto questioned after search giant rated worst on web for user protection

(NEWSER) - Google ranks dead last among Internet sites for protecting user privacy, a new study by watchdog group Privacy International concludes. In its 6-month analysis of top e-commerce, social networking, e-mail, and search sites, PI singled out Google for what it called a "entrenched hostility to privacy," citing fuzzy corporate practice around key issues such as how it handles its users' data. More»

Google can collect all kinds of data to share with other platforms

(NEWSER) - Google's controversial new privacy policy could have an especially big impact on people carrying around Google in their pockets. Google will in March begin sharing info it collects across its platforms when users are signed in—and Android users essentially always are. "I guess it's theoretically possible to use an Android device without being logged on," one privacy advocate tells the Washington Post , "but that wouldn't be much of a smartphone." More»

It lines up 12 companies ahead of possible antitrust suit

(NEWSER) - Busy times for Google, even beyond its social networking push :

• Lobbyist blitz: The company is apparently taking a potential antitrust investigation by the FTC very seriously, reports the Hill : Google is hiring no fewer than 12 top lobbying firms to make its case to lawmakers. “We have a strong story to tell about our business and we’ve sought out the best talent we can find to help tell it,” says a spokesperson.