Google executives have their work cut out for them in explaining how the company's new privacy policy is the right move for consumers. Even a two-hour closed door briefing between Google executives and a bipartisan group of House members seemed to fall short of the mark.
"Today, Google carefully pointed out there are tools at the user's discretion to opt out of all sorts of things and customize their preferences. But, the question Congress continues to have is whether the changes benefit Google, or benefit the consumer," said Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) and chairman of the Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee.
Bono Mack and ranking member G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.), who called the meeting, were two of the 10 House Energy & Commerce Committee members who met with Google's Mike Yang, the company's deputy general counsel and Pablo Chavez, the director of public policy.
Although a senior advisor characterized the meeting as "productive," the group still came away with unanswered questions. "There was a general feeling that Google's new privacy policy may not be ready for 'prime time' on March 1. Clearly, there continues to be a lot of confusion by consumers, as well as by Congress."
One area the lawmakers wanted more clarity on was Google's policy for deleted emails and materials. "We got no less than three different answers today and that's troubling," said Bono Mack's senior advisor.
Whether users can opt-out remains a big sticking point with lawmakers. Google's answer is that users opt-out when they sign out.
Bono Mack plans to follow-up with another letter to Google and invite company officials to testify at the subcommittee's next privacy hearing this spring.
Other members who attended the meeting were Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Joe Barton (R-Tex.), Charlie Bass (R-N.H.), Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), and Diana DeGette (D-Co.).
Why does Marsha (SOPA CoSponsor) Want Congress to Regulate the Internet? Why not just say NO FEDERAL branch (the FCC and congress and the federal courts included) has any authority to decide or rule on any aspect concerning the Internet?
BUT Marsha Blackburn did Vote FOR: Patriot Act Reauthorization, Electronic Surveillance, Funding the REAL ID Act (National ID), Foreign Intelligence Surveillance, Thought Crimes “Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act, Warrantless Searches, Employee Verification Program, Body Imaging Screening, Patriot Act extension; and only NOW she is worried about free speech, privacy, and government take over of the internet?
Marsha Blackburn is my Congressman.
See her “blatantly unconstitutional” votes at :
http://mickeywhite.blogspot.com/2009/09/tn-congressman-marsha-blackburn-votes.html
Mickey