Foreclosure mediation could save billions
by Kendall Taggart, California Watch
Thousands of Californians have lost their homes during the housing crisis, wreaking havoc on families, as well as state and local government property tax revenue. But there is an inexpensive solution, according to a report released last week by the National Consumer Law Center. Read More ›
SF Audit Finds Irregularities in 99 Percent of Foreclosures
by Ryan Jacobs, The Bay Citizen
An audit of hundreds of foreclosures in San Francisco uncovered “one or more irregularities” in 99 percent of the loans, according to a study released Wednesday by the city’s assessor-recorder, Phil Ting.
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Making a difference in the lives of immigrants and others who send money abroad
by Richard Cordray, Director of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Better Disclosures: With this rule, remittance transfer providers must generally disclose the exchange rate, any fees related to the remittance, the amount of money that will be delivered abroad, and the date the money will be available. Read More ›
Domestic Spy Drones Approved by Congress
by Zack Kaldveer, CFC Communications Director, Privacy Revolt
In the final analysis, if we include in our definition of “safe” the concept of “safe” from government intrusiveness and corporate profiteering off fear peddling, I would argue these machines make us less secure, not more. Read More ›
For California, Attorney General Insisted on Better Terms in Foreclosure Deal
by SHAILA DEWAN, New York Times
Kamala D. Harris, the attorney general of California, could have derailed a nationwide settlement with big banks over home foreclosure abuses when she walked out of talks last September. Read More ›
CFC Supports AB 52 (Feuer) – Health Insurance Rate Approval
AB 52 would bring California in line with 35 other states that require some form of prior health insurance rate approval by state regulators. Read More ›
Change in ‘Made in USA’ label debated
by Michael Gardner, San Diego Union Tribune
The labels are “beneficial to consumers who care where their products are made to have truthful information when determining what to buy,” Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California…The federal law is weaker so we are better off not changing a good standard.’ Read More ›
Privacy Threats The Constitution Can’t Protect You From
by Zack Kaldveer, CFC Communications Director, Privacy Revolt
We would do well to – sooner rather than later – recognize the inherent and fundamental value that privacy provides ANY claimed democracy. Without one there can not be the other. Read More ›
As anti-piracy bills stall, activists switch focus to web tracking legislation
by G.W. Schulz, California Watch
…digital rights activists might now be turning their attention to a lesser-noticed bill aimed at requiring Internet companies to store identifying information about their customers. Read More ›
CFC Supports SB 890 – The Fair Debt Buyers Practices Act
SB 890 requires that debt buyers have essential information about a debt before they try to collect it or bring a lawsuit, and share that information with the consumer on request. Read More ›
‘Medicare for All’ Would Solve California’s Budget Deficit
by Jennifer Epps, Ocean Beach Rag
SB 810 would eliminate private health insurance entirely. All Californians’ healthcare costs would be paid for from one big pool. It’s just like the way people get insurance coverage now, except much much simpler, everyone would be covered, and the profit motive would be removed. Read More ›
Google’s New Privacy Policy Causes Controversy
by Zack Kaldveer, CFC Communications Director, Privacy Revolt
“Google’s new privacy announcement is frustrating and a little frightening. Even if the company believes that tracking users across all platforms improves their services, consumers should still have the option to Opt Out’especially the kids and teens who are avid users of YouTube, Gmail and Google Search.” Read More ›
Supreme Court Rules Search Warrant Needed to Track People Using GPS
by Zack Kaldveer, CFC Communications Director, Privacy Revolt
The fourth amendment isn’t completely dead after all! While this fundamental right to privacy is admittedly in tatters, the Supreme Court ruled last week that police must have a warrant in order to track someone using a GPS device. Read More ›