‘Nobody’s got to use the Internet’: A GOP lawmaker’s response to concerns about Web privacy
by Kristine Phillips, Washington Post
A Wisconsin congressman told a town hall attendee who was concerned about the elimination of online privacy protections that using the Internet is a choice — a statement that has since drawn criticism on social media. Read More ›
CFC opposes AB 165, which guts digital privacy rights for anyone attending or working in a public school
CFC joins nearly 50 other civil rights, immigration, racial justice, youth, health, privacy, labor, LGBTQ and Muslim community organizations in opposition to AB 165 (Cooper). AB 165 would decimate the digital privacy rights for students and public school staff that are currently in place under the California Electronic … Read More ›
‘Default’ choices have big impact, but how to make sure they’re used ethically?
by Mary Steffel, Elanor Williams, Ruth Pogacar, The Conversation
The power of defaults to guide people’s choices has made them an extremely popular way for policymakers and marketers alike to nudge people toward a particular decision. But it has also raised questions about how to ensure that defaults are used ethically and responsibly. Read More ›
CFC supports AB 889 to limit settlements that hush up risks to public safety
CFC supports AB 889 (Stone), a bill that limits secret settlements that deprive the public of vital knowledge regarding health or safety hazards. Read our 3/21 support letter Learn more Latest Updates 4/4/17 The bill passed out of the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a 6-2 vote. It … Read More ›
CFC supports AB 550, funding for Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs
AB 550 (Reyes) will increase funding for California’s 35 local Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs, the Department of Aging’s watchdog in long-term care facilities. Consisting of paid staff and certified volunteers, the Ombudsmen are a very cost-effective way to ensure California’s long-term care facilities properly care for our … Read More ›
CFC Opposes AB 380
CFC opposes AB 380 (Dababneh), which will make it easier for car dealers to engage in fraud and other predatory practices. Read more about the bill here. Read our opposition letter.
Free trial offers
by Steve Baker, Baker Fraud Report
We are deluged with ads for various pills and potions to lose weight, improve memory, help with arthritis or back pain, eliminate wrinkles, or improve sex. What do far too many of these have in common? They advertise free trial offers with “no risk.” Read More ›
Judge’s proposed decision cuts $230 million from PG&E’s rate hike
CFC, allies win total of $369 million in cuts from PG&E’s initial rate application On February 27, an Administrative Law Judge of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a preliminary decision which would reduce PG&E’s proposed general increase by $230 million for residential and commercial ratepayers … Read More ›
Trump’s rollback of the investment conflict-of-interest rule is a direct attack on middle-class savings
by Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times
The [rollback] ostensibly is to give policymakers time to review the rule and revise it if necessary. If you think the result of this process will be to make the rule more worker-friendly and less forgiving for banks, insurance companies and stockbrokers, then you don’t know your Trump. Read More ›
Student loan servicer hit with three government lawsuits in one day
by Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, The Washington Post
A multiyear investigation into the business practices of Navient and its subsidiaries found widespread breakdowns in servicing, according to the CFPB and two state attorneys general who also filed suit. Read More ›
Senator Bob Wieckowski seeks to end tax write offs for corporate misdeeds
For Immediate Release: January 5, 2017 Contact: Jeff Barbosa (916) 651-4010 Businesses should not get a tax break for malice, oppression and fraud Sacramento – Corporations found by a court to be liable for punitive damages for committing the most egregious violations of law will no longer … Read More ›
Holiday Gift Privacy Guide
This holiday season, make sure that the latest tech gadgets on the market are not invading the privacy of you or someone you love. Some of this season’s more popular home products and children’s toys are equipped with geo-locational tracking, infrared sensors that detect movement, and microphones … Read More ›
GOP tells FCC to just stop what it’s doing until inauguration
by Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica
Republicans in Congress have urged the Federal Communications Commission to avoid passing any controversial regulations between now and Donald Trump’s inauguration as president. Read More ›