FCC investigates Google

[Jeffersons Ghost]

FCC investigates Google for Street View privacy breach
By Cecilia Kang

The Federal Communications Commission said Wednesday it is investigating a data breach by Google, whose Street View mapping cars scooped up e-mail addresses and passwords from unencrypted residential Wi-Fi networks.

“Last month, Google disclosed that its Street View cars collected passwords, e-mails and other personal information wirelessly from unsuspecting people across the country,” said Michele Ellison, the FCC's enforcement bureau chief. “In light of their public disclosure, we can now confirm that the Enforcement Bureau is looking into whether these actions violate the Communications Act."

She said the investigation was intended to ensure consumers affected "receive a full and fair accounting."

The FCC wouldn't describe details of its investigation, first reported by The Wall Street Journal. But communications law experts said the investigation likely focuses on a federal law that prohibits the unauthorized publication or use of messages that are intercepted over radio networks. The investigation comes weeks after the Federal Trade Commission closed its own investigation into Google's Street View privacy lapse.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2010/11/fcc_investigates_google_for_st.html?hpid=topnews

[Jeffersons Ghost]

1. This is part of the FCC plan to neutralize net neutrality. how about some comments?

[Uncle Joe]

2. Explain that please, how does this affect Net Neutrality? n/t

[Jeffersons Ghost]

3. the FCC is applying pressure. they have petitioned congress for authority recently rescinded

Google, Verizon Net Neutrality Plan Limits FCC

By Grant Gross, IDG News Aug 10, 2010 2:20 pm

Critics of a network neutrality proposal released Monday by Verizon Communications and Google have complained that it would exempt wireless broadband and managed services from enforcement, but the biggest departure from recent practices may be its proposed major limits on the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's authority.

Google and Verizon have recommended substantial limits on the power of the FCC to enforce and create net neutrality rules. Proposals to limit the FCC's authority in the area aren't new -- Verizon proposed some limits on the FCC's broadband authority back in 2005, and a handful of Republican lawmakers have also introduced legislation to limit the FCC's ability to create new net neutrality rules.

But those efforts haven't received wide support, particularly from net neutrality supporters. Google's support of limits on the FCC's power has other net neutrality supporters crying foul after they long believed they had an ally in the Internet giant.

"The agreement is even worse than previously thought, as it would remove rulemaking authority from the FCC and force them to give deference to a technical body," said Gigi Sohn, president of digital rights group Public Knowledge. "To have Google give in like this at the 11th hour is hugely disappointing."

http://www.pcworld.com/article/202993/google_verizon_net_neutrality_plan_limits_fcc.html

[Uncle Joe]

4. After reading your link, I wonder who is behind this "think tank?"

So far, there have been few people stepping forward to support the Google/Verizon proposal. Spokespeople from both companies didn't respond to messages Tuesday morning seeking clarification of some details.

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a tech-focused think tank, applauded the proposal, however.

Are they legit or is this a Republican Shell?

[Jeffersons Ghost]

5. the Republican Party is a "shell" for Big Business

[Uncle Joe]

6. Actually, I found my own answer and I agree.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_Technology_and_Innovation_Foundation

Opinions on the organization

ITIF's founding in 2006 was described by InformationWeek as "big IT vendors ... establishing their own think tank."<3> In 2007, Michael Knetter (dean of the Wisconsin School of Business) said that the foundation was funded by technology vendors including IBM, Cisco Systems, and eBay and cautioned that ITIF's "Digital Prosperity" study might contain corresponding biases.<5> In reference to funding provided by ITIC, Ars Technica said in 2009 that an ITIF report which recommended to spend stimulus money on IT "should ... be expected to contain a healthy dose of self-interest, but that won't necessarily mean that its conclusions are wrong."<6> Ars Technica also wrote that ITIF is "one of the leading, and most prolific, tech policy think tanks." <7> In 2008, Inc. Magazine referred to the organization as "scrupulously nonpartisan." <8>