Consumers Union is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves.
Online Privacy
What does candy have to do with car insurance?
As we’ve continued to follow (and update you) on the ongoing W3C process, which seeks to create a standard for a universal Do Not Track Tool, the issue of figuring out who is a first party and who is a third party keeps popping up, again and again, as a key sticking point between stakeholders. Continue Reading
Categories: Internet
Tags: Online Privacy
FTC releases framework for online privacy
In March 2012, the FTC released their final report on online privacy, entitled Protecting Consumer Privacy in an Era of Rapid Change: Recommendations for Businesses and Policymakers. This is a continuation of their December 2010 preliminary report. The final report calls on Congress to consider enacting privacy legislation and data security legislation. The Commission offers Continue Reading
Categories: Internet
Tags: Online Privacy
CR survey finds that most consumers are still “very concerned” about online privacy
A recent survey1 by Consumer Reports found that 71 percent of respondents were “very concerned” about companies selling or sharing information gathered about them without their permission. Sixty-five percent of smartphone owners were “very concerned” that smartphone apps can access their contacts, photos, location, or other data on their devices without their permission. More than Continue Reading
Categories: Internet
Tags: Online Privacy
Consumer Comments to the NTIA on “Multistakeholder Process To Develop Consumer Data Privacy Codes of Conduct”
April 2, 2012 National Telecommunications and Information Administration 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4725, Washington, DC 20230 Submitted via email to privacyrfc2012@ntia.doc.gov Consumer Comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on “Multistakeholder Process To Develop Consumer Data Privacy Codes of Conduct” Docket No. 120214135–2135–01 The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) requested comment on Continue Reading
Categories: Internet
Tags: Online Privacy
Comments to the NTIA on “Multistakeholder Process To Develop Consumer Data Privacy Codes of Conduct
April 2, 2012 National Telecommunications and Information Administration 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4725, Washington, DC 20230 Submitted via email to privacyrfc2012@ntia.doc.gov Comments to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on “Multistakeholder Process To Develop Consumer Data Privacy Codes of Conduct” Docket No. 120214135–2135–01 The undersigned organizations appreciate the opportunity to respond to the National Continue Reading
Categories: Internet
Tags: Online Privacy
Tracking Protection on Google Chrome for Mac
Take control of your privacy and utilize the tools available to you on Google Chrome! Privacy tools are improving with each version of Google Chrome, so it is important to download the latest version of Chrome here. Then get started on the simple slideshow below to see what your options are for tracking protection from Continue Reading
Categories: Internet
Tags: Online Privacy
Tracking Protection on Safari for Mac
Take control of your privacy and utilize the tools available to you on Apple Safari! You can only use the Do Not Track tool in Safari version 5.1 and higher, so download the latest version here. Then get started on the simple slideshow below to see what your options are for tracking protection from websites! Continue Reading
Categories: Internet
Tags: Online Privacy
Tracking Protection on Firefox for Mac
Take control of your privacy and utilize the tools available to you on Mozilla Firefox! Firefox continues to improve its privacy tools with each version, so it is important to download the latest version of Firefox here. Then get started on the simple slideshow below to see what your options are for tracking protection from Continue Reading
Categories: Internet
Tags: Online Privacy
White House wants to hear from you on online privacy
In a recent blog post, we reported that the White House, in conjunction with the Department of Commerce, had released a Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights. The document promises open, transparent forums where industry members and consumer advocates can work together to create reasonable codes of conduct that will lead to privacy solutions for consumers. Continue Reading
Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: Online Privacy
Mobile apps can upload your photos and contacts, no permission needed
When you download an app on your smartphone, do you know what types of information that app can gather from your device? Many users expect that apps will only have access to their personal information if granted express permission. However, according to recent New York Times reports, a number of iPhone and Android apps can Continue Reading
Categories: Internet
Tags: Online Privacy
