Web surfing habits

Google Inc. has been getting more frugal with its employees and other expenses as the recession crimps its growth, but the Internet search leader isn't skimping on political lobbying, according to a recent disclosure form.

The Mountain View, Calif.-based company spent $880,000 on lobbying during the first quarter, a 42 percent increase from $620,000 at the same time last year. Google spent a total of $2.8 million on lobbying last year.

Angry online subscribers who had their Web surfing habits tracked in detail are suing a Silicon Valley startup that created the technology and six Internet service providers that briefly used it.

The 15 customers who filed the lawsuit in federal court here Monday demand more than $5 million in damages and are asking a judge to turn the case into a class action representing tens of thousands of Internet subscribers.

Microsoft Corp. and Google Inc. told lawmakers Wednesday that Congress should pass basic privacy legislation to protect information about consumers, such as the data being gathered about people's Web surfing habits in order to pinpoint Internet advertising.