By Jim Tankersley
Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) wants Congress to probe the proposed Internet power-merger of Google and DoubleClick, citing concerns about privacy and competition.
Rush, the chairman of the House subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, pledged today to hold hearings on the merger and asked for a private briefing from the federal regulators who are investigating it.
Bloomberg News reported earlier this month that European Union regulators will look into the propsed $3.1 billion merger. Consumer groups have questioned if the deal will give the merged companies too much sway over the online advertising market, and if Google would essentially know too much about internet users.
Here's the full text of Rush's letter to the FTC, courtesy of the congressman's office:
“There is widespread concern about the proposed merger between Google and DoubleClick that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) currently is reviewing. Concerns have focused not only on the implications for competition – in online advertising and other possibly affected markets – but also on the potentially enormous impact on consumer privacy. Consumer groups in the United States and Europe as well as the European Commission’s Article 29 Data Protection Working Party have expressed growing alarm over the implications for consumer privacy from the practices of these companies, especially if they combine. I share these concerns and am writing to notify you that the Subcommittee is considering holding a hearing when an appropriate date becomes available after the August District Work Period.”
“As you know from our recent work with the FTC on privacy legislation, the Subcommittee takes very seriously the protection of consumer privacy. Pursuant to our jurisdiction over interstate and foreign commerce and commercial practices, the Subcommittee also is looking into the proposed merger’s impact on competition. As Chairman of the Subcommittee, I therefore submit this written request for a non-public briefing on the FTC’s current investigation concerning the proposed Google/DoubleClick merger as well as similar proposed acquisitions.”
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Comments
One more subcommittee we don't need in Washington. Just because you speculate that they might do something shouldn't mean that you have to spend our tax dollars. What a waste of money. Why don't they just really say who they are representing or the real underlying fact behind their so called probe. Who knows, maybe the public will believe your honest that way.
Posted by: Director | July 17, 2007 3:24 PM
"One more subcommittee we don't need in Washington."
The House subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Yeah, why do we need to protect consumers? Business has never been know to harm consumers, right?
Government of the corporation, by the corporation, for the corporation.
Abe Lincoln would be ashamed of what his party has become.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 17, 2007 3:34 PM
Anonymous,
Actually, Lincoln was very much PRO-business.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | July 17, 2007 11:28 PM
Bud-
Don't be so sure...
"Now there is no such relation between capital and labor as assumed, nor is there any such thing as a free man being fixed for life in the condition of a hired laborer. Both these assumptions are false, and all inferences from them are groundless.
Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration. Capital has its rights, which are as worthy of protection as any other rights. Nor is it denied that there is, and probably always will be, a relation between labor and capital producing mutual benefits."
Abraham Lincoln, Annual message to Congress December 3, 1863.
"Republicans are for both the man and the dollar, but in case of conflict the man before the dollar."
"These capitalists generally act harmoniously and in concert, to fleece the people"
Whle we're at it, here's another place Lincoln would be ashamed of his party...
"Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure."
Posted by: Tony | July 18, 2007 10:01 AM
Incredible comments by 'anonymous' and 'director.' Are these anti-children, anti-privacy advocates or, perhaps, are these people who resent a 'for the people' activist like Chairman Bobby Rush who has the courage to speak truth to power? Rush is committed to fighting for the interests of all Americans--especially those who value truth, equal justice, privacy and safety--especially as it relates to children.
Gee, isn't that what the American way is all about?
Posted by: Sharon Jenkins | July 18, 2007 12:14 PM