Google defends its handling of user data after ICE subpoena (Update)

Source: Android Authority

TL;DR

• A foreign PhD student studying in the US learned that Google 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, claiming it informs users “when their accounts have been subpoenaed, unless under legal order not to or in an exceptional circumstance.”

Update (April 16 2026, 2:35 PM ET)

The Senior Staff Attorney at EFF, F. Mario Trujillo, provided a statement to Android Authority, pushing back on Google’s response.

Original article (April 16 2026, 12:00 PM ET)

Earlier this week, legal complaints were sent to the California and New York Attorneys General to investigate Google for deceptive trade practices. The issue relates to how the Mountain View‑based firm handled a user’s data after authorities requested the information. Google has now provided a statement to Android Authority in response to accusations that it broke its own policies.

Summary of events

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a subpoena to Google requesting the user 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 of a request before handing over any data to the government.
• The student, who is studying in the US, claims that Google only notified them after it had already handed the information over.

Google’s policy on information requests

Google’s policy (see the full text here) notes several exceptions where it may not notify the user. A Google spokesperson summarized the approach:

“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.”

The outlet asked the spokesperson to clarify whether Google was under a legal order or if this situation was an exceptional circumstance. At the time of writing, no response had been received.

Why advance notice matters

Getting advanced notice of government requests gives users an opportunity to contest them. In this case, the student argues that Google broke its promise and disclosed their information without giving them a chance to fight back.