California governor vetoes state email privacy bill
by Kate Tummarello, The Hill
Governor Jerry Brown vetoed a state online privacy bill that would have protected residents’ electronic communications accounts from warrantless access by law enforcement agencies. Read More ›
To File a Complaint
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Online: https://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm Phone: (888) 225-5322 TTY: (888) 835-5322 Fax: (866) 418-0232 E-mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov Mail: Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Online: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1 Phone: (877) 382-4357 TTY: (866) 653-4261 Mail: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, … Read More ›
What Are Our Legal Rights?
Unfortunately, laws have not kept pace with changing technology. The first iPhone was released in 2007, and since then there has been an explosion of smartphone technology. Existing Federal Law: The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) Enacted in 1986, ECPA (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-3127) includes the Wiretap … Read More ›
Smartphone Privacy Tips
Never leave your smartphone unattended. Use Wi-Fi networks cautiously and turn Bluetooth off when not in use. Disable photo geotagging on your phone. Research apps before you download them: When browsing an app store, look at how many people have downloaded the app you are interested … Read More ›
How Are Smartphones Attacked?
Criminals Can Physically Gain Access to Your Smartphone A person who gains access to your smartphone can physically install surveillance spyware. An online search for “smartphone spy” pulls up software that promises “it doesn’t matter if the user tries to delete their tracks by deleting their … Read More ›
What Information Does Your Service Provider Collect and Store?
Service providers (like AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile) collect data, but are not forthcoming in detailing exactly what data they collect, the reasons they collect it, and their data retention policies. At the very least, smartphone service providers collect the following: Incoming and outgoing calls: the … Read More ›
Your Medical Privacy Rights
What are your medical privacy rights? What are key medical privacy laws and what is recent California legislation regarding medical privacy? How would you submit a medical privacy complaint? Read More ›
Mixed results on privacy legislation in 2013
CFC keeps fighting for consumer privacy and data protection – and we appreciate our supporters who continue to assist us in our efforts. Read More ›
Consumer Federation of California’s 2013 Legislative Summary
The 2013 legislative session concluded on September 13 and Governor Brown had about 900 bills to sign or veto. Numerous consumer bills advanced and Consumer Federation of California had important successes. Read More ›
SB 448 proposes office to investigate fuel price volatility, gas price fixing (vetoed)
CFC supports SB 448, which is aimed at protecting California consumers who have, for too long, been at the mercy of a few major oil companies that control nearly all of the transportation fuel market. Read More ›
Toxic flame retardants under fire in California
by Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San Diego Union Tribune
“This starts with making sure we are protecting people against risks of fire,” said Richard Holober, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California. “There’s increasing evidence that this can be accomplished through different methods that do not require use of these flame retardants.” Read More ›
Scammers target utility customers with threats of power shut-off
by Herb Weisbaum, Today.com
Fraudsters have developed a clever and all-too-successful ruse to steal money from homeowners and small businesses across the country. All it takes is a phone call and a bunch of convincing lies. Read More ›
Google to sell user profiles, photos in ads
by Brian Fitzgerald, Wall Street Journal
Google updated its terms of service to say that beginning November 11, it has the right to sell adult users’ profile names, photos and comments in reviews and advertising. Read More ›