Feds Ordered Google To Unmask Certain YouTube Users. Critics Say It’s ‘Terrifying.’
www.forbes.com
The federal government asked Google to turn over information on anyone who viewed multiple YouTube videos. Privacy experts say the orders are unconstitutional.

If the linked article has a paywall, you can access this archived version instead: https://archive.ph/zyhax

The court orders show the government telling Google to provide the names, addresses, telephone numbers and user activity for all Google account users who accessed the YouTube videos between January 1 and January 8, 2023. The government also wanted the IP addresses of non-Google account owners who viewed the videos.

“This is the latest chapter in a disturbing trend where we see government agencies increasingly transforming search warrants into digital dragnets. It’s unconstitutional, it’s terrifying and it’s happening every day,” said Albert Fox-Cahn, executive director at the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project. “No one should fear a knock at the door from police simply because of what the YouTube algorithm serves up. I’m horrified that the courts are allowing this.” He said the orders were “just as chilling” as geofence warrants, where Google has been ordered to provide data on all users in the vicinity of a crime.

    • helpImTrappedOnline@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      7 months ago

      The videos are not very relevant to the topic of privacy and our freedom.

      Today it might be “extreme anarchy: how to make homemade bombs and guns”. On the surface, its a great idea, go stop those people.

      However, next year it could be something rediculous like “how to rip CDs”. Clearly you must be pirating, time to fine you $500 or put you through a more costly legal battle trying to prove grandpa’s 20 years of CDs were all obtained legally. Wow look at all the free money we just made because most will eat the $500 over hiring a lawyer. What else can we “fine” for?

      The idea that the government could use your internet history against you, with no other factors, is as absurd as wire tapping someone and waiting for them to say something they don’t like.