Comment by ajross

3 years ago

Then you might want to read the linked article and not the headline, because CNET asked that question and... got an affirmative response, that Google will try to notify users whose data has been shared.

Really almost all the top comments on this topic are people overreacting to the headline without realizing that the circumstances involved are emergencies and not just routine LE requests. Clickbait has ruined everything.

9 comments

ajross

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yardie  3 years ago

> the circumstances involved are emergencies and not just routine LE requests.

Fine, every routine LE request is now an emergency. Because one thing US LEOs are known for is their reserve in only requesting just the absolute minimum to do an investigation.

TheSpiceIsLife  3 years ago

Try.

They'll try to notify users? After their data has been shared with police.

Well that's reassuring.

  • shadowgovt  3 years ago

    Consider the circumstances. The context in which this data is shared is imminent danger to life. That includes kidnapping.

    If Google had a magic system for getting information to a kidnapping victim reliably, they wouldn't need to share user's private data with law enforcement, they could just share the information on where to reach the kidnap victim.

    • TheSpiceIsLife  3 years ago

      You don't fool me.

      What this will predominantly be used for is abusive partners, who also happen to be law enforcement officers (police) to terrorise their victims, or, more generally, abuse of powers by LE.

      Here in Australia the police already have 30% more domestic violence charges than the average, and have been caught way too many times abusing their powers as LE.

      1 reply →

    • trasz  3 years ago

      >The context in which this data is shared is imminent danger to life.

      Not at all - it's merely somebody's _claim_ that there's some danger.

      1 reply →

ocdtrekkie  3 years ago

They will try but can be legally prohibited from notifying you. A server you control and have the keys to can be compelled by the police, but not without your knowledge.

Every supposed attempt to protect you is really just an attempt to justify an inherently unethical business model because it is profitable.