U.S. federal authorities have ordered Google to provide information described as; names, addresses, telephone numbers, and user activities on individuals who viewed specific YouTube videos, according to unsealed court documents revealed to Forbes.
There are significant concerns among privacy advocates regarding government requests that may infringe on the privacy of US citizens. One such instance involves undercover agents investigating a user suspected of money laundering through Bitcoin sales. They sent links to YouTube tutorials on drone mapping and augmented reality to gather evidence. Subsequently, Google was ordered to disclose the identities, addresses, phone numbers, and activities of all viewers of these videos, including those not logged into Google accounts.
In another case in New Hampshire, authorities demanded that Google provide a list of accounts that interacted with eight specific YouTube livestreams related to a bomb threat incident. This included a channel with a substantial subscriber base of over 130,000.
Google, as reported by Forbes, stated that they have a stringent process to protect user privacy and constitutional rights while assisting law enforcement. However, it is unclear whether Google has fully complied with these orders. Matt Bryant, a Google spokesperson, mentioned that they scrutinize each demand for legal validity and push back against inappropriate requests for user data.
The orders have raised concerns among U.S. citizens who feel these privacy concerns may violate the 1st and 4th Amendments, which protect free speech and guard against unreasonable search and seizures. Albert Fox-Cahn of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project criticized the trend of government agencies turning search warrants into digital dragnets, calling it unconstitutional and alarming.
John Davisson from the Electronic Privacy Information Center highlighted the sensitivity of online viewing habits, noting that they can reveal personal information such as political beliefs and religious views. He criticized the assumption that law enforcement should not access such data without probable cause, emphasizing the potential impact on privacy rights.
SOURCE: FORBES
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