Federal Investigators Demand Google Data on YouTube Viewers, Raising Privacy Concerns
Federal investigators have ordered Google to provide information on viewers of specific YouTube videos, sparking concerns among privacy experts. Court orders reveal requests for data on individuals suspected of potential criminal activities, including buying bitcoin for cash and making bomb threats. The orders require Google to disclose user names, addresses, telephone numbers, and activity for both Google account users and non-account owners who accessed the videos. Critics argue that these demands threaten constitutional protections of free speech and freedom from unreasonable searches. Google spokesperson Matt Bryant emphasized the company's commitment to protecting user privacy and pushing back against inappropriate demands for data. Privacy advocates condemn the orders as unconstitutional and warn against the erosion of digital privacy rights.
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