Internet privacy: a contradiction in terms?
by Beth Givens, Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, San Diego Union-Tribune
In closing, effective online privacy protection requires a multipronged approach involving policymakers, industry, nonprofits and consumers. It must not be lost to bogus arguments and unfounded myths. Read More ›
Anthem Blue Cross sued over higher medical insurance deductibles
by Duke Helfand, Los Angeles Times
Consumer Watchdog says California’s largest for-profit health insurance company used ‘bait and switch’ tactics to raise deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs for some customers May 1. Read More ›
Cell Phone Providers Urged to Stop Collecting Data on Customers’ Movements
by Zack Kaldveer, Consumer Federation of California, Privacy Revolt
…no one wants to feel as if a government agent is following you wherever you go – be it a friend’s house, a place of worship, or a therapist’s office – and certainly innocent Americans shouldn’t have to feel that way. Read More ›
California group files health insurance regulation initiative
by Torey Van Oot, Capitol Weekley
The proposed initiative would also prohibit insurers from considering a lapse in coverage when determining rates or premiums for auto, health or homeowners’ policies. Read More ›
Is GPS tracking too ‘1984’?
by Editorial, Los Angeles Times
Should the police be allowed to affix an electronic tracking device to a suspect’s car without a warrant and follow his every movement for a month? That was the question at an oral argument at the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Read More ›
State cuts prescription drug monitoring amid spike in pain pill deaths
by Christina Jewett, California Watch
While federal authorities are calling the spike in prescription painkiller deaths an epidemic, California is dismantling a system that the White House identifies as a promising method to tackle the problem. Read More ›
Billionaire Sponsors Zombie Insurance Initiative
by Richard Holober, Executive Director, Consumer Federation of California
But like a zombie that is killed, only to walk the earth again, Mercury Insurance Chairman George Joseph just donated $8.2 million to bring Prop 17 back from the grave for the 2012 ballot. Read More ›
For-profit college firm discloses improper job placement rates
by Erica Perez, California Watch
A for-profit education company with five campuses in California disclosed…(it) was inflating job placement calculations at several of its campuses – just one day after the company announced the CEO’s resignation.
Read More ›
More consumers leaving big banks for credit unions
by Eve Mitchell, Contra Costa Times
Credit unions and community banks in the Bay Area are seeing a spike in new members, sparked in part by general anger with big banks and in part by their now-abandoned plans to charge for using debit cards.
Read More ›
Banks keep pulling from bag of tricks
by David Lazarus, Los Angeles Times
The latest is Chase making credit card customers who had previously opted out from receiving offers to do so again under the guise of ‘updating our customers’ preferences.’ Read More ›
Supreme Court to Hear GPS Tracking Case
by Zack Kaldveer, Consumer Federation of California, Privacy Revolt
I think its important to consider this case in the larger context of an increasingly unjust economic system (AND Judicial system) that’s leading people, literally, to the streets in protest. We must…stand firm against the ever encroaching and watchful eye of both government and corporate interests. Read More ›
Editorial: Time to say ‘no’ to payday loan sharks
by Editorial , Sacramento Bee
While Calderon’s concern for people of marginal means is commendable, it can’t be ignored that he, his brother and other lawmakers have raked in campaign contributions from the payday loan industry. Read More ›
Mercury News editorial: If state won’t ban predatory payday lending, cities and counties must restrict it
by Editorial, San Jose Mercury News
It’s not surprising that California lawmakers do the bidding of their biggest contributors. But even for them, the latest move to expand predatory payday lending — detailed in Karen de Sa’s front-page story today — is remarkably brazen. Read More ›