Google Takes a Stand for Gmail Users; Refuses Police Access Without a Warrant

[dgstorm]

It's certainly a fine line that Google must walk with governments around the world when it comes to the various laws and restrictions they must follow. With some notable exceptions, for the most part, Google does its best to protect its users' privacy and maintain a stance of fairness. Today we have one excellent example of Google taking a stand for its customers, specifically its Gmail users. Google is now solidifying their stance on warrantless searches of a customer's Gmail account, and putting their foot down against police requests without a warrant. Here's a quote with some additional detail,

"In order to compel us to produce content in Gmail we require an ECPA search warrant," said Chris Gaither, Google spokesperson. "If they come for registration information, that's one thing, but if they ask for content of e-mail, that's another thing."

While relatively few tech companies publicly disclose how many government requests they get, Google appears to be one of the few e-mail providers that is challenging law enforcement agencies to produce a warrant to access users’ e-mail.

It's comforting to see that Google takes things like this so seriously. We can't say they have a perfect rack record, but at least they strive for integrity.

Source: Ars Technica

 

[learner]

Don't really understand this post? This is the law in USA isn't it? At least for email under 180 days.

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