Google defends its handling of user data after ICE subpoena
Source: Android Authority
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL;DR
- A foreign PhD student studying in the US learned that Google had handed over his user data to the Department of Homeland Security while on a trip to Switzerland.
- A legal complaint was filed against Google, alleging the company handed over the data without notifying the user.
- Google responded, stating it informs users “when their accounts have been subpoenaed, unless under legal order not to or in an exceptional circumstance.”
Legal Complaints Filed
Earlier this week, legal complaints were sent to the California and New York Attorneys General to investigate Google for deceptive trade practices. The complaints focus on how the Mountain View‑based firm handled a user’s data after a government request.
Incident Details
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a subpoena to Google requesting the data of a foreign PhD student who attended a pro‑Palestine protest at Cornell University. Google’s policies state that it will generally notify users before handing over any data to the government. The student, who is studying in the US, claims Google only notified him after the information had already been provided to ICE.
Google’s Policies and Response
Google’s policy on information requests explains that there are exceptions where the company will not notify the user first. A Google spokesperson referenced these exceptions in a statement:
“All subpoenas undergo a review process designed to protect user privacy while meeting our legal obligations. We inform users when their accounts have been subpoenaed, unless under legal order not to or in an exceptional circumstance. We push back against those that are overbroad, including objecting to some entirely.”
When asked for clarification on whether this case involved a legal order or an “exceptional circumstance,” the spokesperson did not respond at the time of writing.
Why Advance Notice Matters
Advance notice of government requests gives users an opportunity to contest the subpoena. In this case, the student argues that Google breached its promise by disclosing the information without providing a chance to fight the request.
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