A recent study reveals that major tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Meta, have handed over millions of user data records to the US government in response to growing government requests.
Proton, a Swiss privacy firm, reports that such requests for user data have surged, with tech giants increasingly complying under search warrants or court orders.
This trend extends beyond the US, as several European governments have also sought user information.
Proton's analysis of transparency reports from 2014 to 2024 shows that these companies have shared data from over 3.1 million user accounts—a 600% increase in the past decade.
While Proton does not criticise the companies, acknowledging their legal obligations to comply with law enforcement, it suggests that investing in stronger encryption could protect user data from government intrusion.
However, the report highlights that US law enforcement can access data through subpoenas, court orders, or search warrants.
In some cases, a national security letter can compel companies like Google to release data under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
The increase in government data requests is not limited to the US.
Governments across Europe, including Germany, France, and the Netherlands, have also made significant requests for user data.
For instance, Google’s transparency report shows a sharp rise in requests, with over 235,000 requests from global governments by mid-2024, compared to 100,000 requests in early 2020.
Notably, Germany’s government submitted over 12,600 requests in January 2020, which surged to 41,000 by mid-2024.
Meta, in its safety center, explains that it occasionally shares user information with law enforcement to assist in urgent situations, such as those involving immediate harm, suicide prevention, or missing children recovery.
Each request is thoroughly evaluated for legal compliance, and Meta reserves the right to reject or request further specificity for any broad or vague demands.
Similarly, Google takes a proactive approach when handling law enforcement requests, notifying users via email before releasing any data unless the request pertains to an emergency, such as child safety threats or life-threatening situations.
Regarding foreign government data requests, Google assesses each case individually to ensure compliance with US law, company policies, and international norms.
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