According to reports, the U.S. government has secretly issued warrants to Google to collect user data from anyone who types in certain search terms. This raises concerns that innocent users could be caught up in serious criminal investigations more frequently than previously thought.
Federal investigators used new "keyword warrants" to search Google for information about criminals. Forbes discovered that the court document was accidentally not sealed and they were used to request Google's help in locating victims.
REPORT DISCLOSES GOOGLE'S SPYING METHODS ON EMPLOYEES
Google must respond to thousands upon thousands of warrant orders every year. However, keyword warrants are controversial and a relatively new strategy by the government.
According to Jennifer Granick, surveillance counsel and cybersecurity counsel at American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), searching Google's search history database allows police to identify individuals based only on what they might be thinking about at one point in time.
This never-before-possible technique threatens First Amendment interests and will inevitably sweep up innocent people, especially if the keyword terms are not unique and the time frame not precise. She added that secret police operations are preventing the public from discussing and regulating this practice.
Although the government stated that warrants are limited in scope to avoid innocent people searching for specific terms, it is not publicly disclosed how many users data were sent to the government or the extent of warrant requests.
Google has stated that it defends its decision to respond and protect users by doing so.
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A Google spokesperson stated that, as with all law enforcement requests we follow a strict process to protect users' privacy and support the important work of law enforcement.
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Tags: News. Policy. Surveillance. Google. Big Tech. Warrants. Online commerce.
Original Author: Nihal Krishan
Original Location: Google secretly orders the government to track people searching for certain names, addresses and phone numbers
