On Our Radar
In this section called "On Our Radar," Consumer Action shares thought-provoking and informative issues on a variety of topics. You can add your thoughts and comments.IMPORTANT NOTE: The issues presented in "On Our Radar" and the comments of our guests do not necessarily state or reflect the views of Consumer Action.
Postings
65% of online adults use social networking sites
A new study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project reveals that over half of adults online use social networking sites.
Map of medical identity theft reveals geographic patterns
The World Privacy Forum has published an interactive map of medical identity theft occurrences in the United States, based on complaints to the Federal Trade Commission.
Study digs into how we use social networks
A study from the Pew Internet and American Life Project reveals how our trust, personal relationships, and civic and political involvement are connected to the use of social network sites and other technologies.
Groups release joint principles on prepaid payroll cards
Two national consumer groups work with industry to develop joint principles on payroll cards, a type of prepaid card used for distributing wages when workers don't have a bank account to accept direct deposit.
Supreme Court health data case could sway online privacy debate
The Supreme Court has announced it will hear Sorrell v. IMS Health, a case relating to the sale of personal health data, such as prescriptions. It's a case that will affect both consumer health privacy laws and may influence the ongoing debate over online privacy.
The one-way mirror of digital signage
World Privacy Forum has issued a report on digital signage networks, which are electronic monitoring systems that record and store video information. They include facial recognition cameras in grocery stores, interactive billboards that record data about consumers, and people-counting sensors mounted on doorways.
Recordkeeping 101: Determining what to keep and what to shred
How should you discard your unnecessary personal and financial records? Privacy Rights Clearinghouse is providing consumers with tips and information sources to help you decide which records you need to save, and how long you need to keep them.
Study: How people perceive online behavioral advertising
Carnegie Mellon University researchers Aleecia M. McDonald and Lorrie Faith Cranor conducted this study of attitudes about Internet advertising. While many of the participants raised privacy issues in the first
few minutes of discussion without any prompting about privacy, most knew little or nothing about online advertising and tracking.
NPR series examines digital privacy
National Public Radio (NPR) has launched series that looks at many aspects of digital privacy, including a discussion on cell phone privacy, social networking, and privacy law.
Privacy "report card" gives Obama Administration mediocre grades
The Electronic Privacy Information Center released the results of a privacy "report card," grading the Obama Administration on its activities with regard to consumer privacy, medical privacy, cybersecurity, and civil liberties.
Quick Menu
Support Consumer Action
Join Our Email List
Privacy Menu
Help Desk
- Help Desk
- Submit Your Complaints
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Links to Consumer Resources
- Consumer Service Guide (CSG)
- Alerts
