Google Asks Feds For Permission To Publish FISA Requests In Its Transparency Report
from the the-feds-should-say-yes dept
In the wake of the revelation of PRISM last week, Google admitted that it does not include FISA requests in its transparency report -- which has led some to question the value of the transparency report. Now, Google has sent a public letter to Attorney General Eric Holder and FBI boss Robert Mueller, requesting permission to add FISA requests to its transparency report, suggesting that such transparency would be helpful in clearing up how frequently the government is asking Google for information.Assertions in the press that our compliance with these requests gives the U.S. government unfettered access to our users’ data are simply untrue. However, government nondisclosure obligations regarding the number of FISA national security requests that Google receives, as well as the number of accounts covered by those requests, fuel that speculation.It would be somewhat ridiculous for the DOJ to refuse this request, but we're used to the DOJ doing stupid things these days.
We therefore ask you to help make it possible for Google to publish in our Transparency Report aggregate numbers of national security requests, including FISA disclosures—in terms of both the number we receive and their scope. Google’s numbers would clearly show that our compliance with these requests falls far short of the claims being made. Google has nothing to hide.
Google appreciates that you authorized the recent disclosure of general numbers for national security letters. There have been no adverse consequences arising from their publication, and in fact more companies are receiving your approval to do so as a result of Google’s initiative. Transparency here will likewise serve the public interest without harming national security.
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Filed Under: doj, eric holder, fbi, fisa, fisa requests, robert mueller, transparency report
Companies: google
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Even better
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Re: Even better
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Anything that can't be checked: DON'T TRUST.
The only thing transparent about Google is its LIES. If you simply don't grant automatic belief, then you can't find ANY reason to believe this mega-corporation.
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Re: Anything that can't be checked: DON'T TRUST.
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Re: Anything that can't be checked: DON'T TRUST.
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Re: Anything that can't be checked: DON'T TRUST.
You really need to understand that Google is completely optional, and thus, not as scary as you seem to believe.
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Re: Re: Anything that can't be checked: DON'T TRUST.
Sure today it is terrorists that they are after, but tomorrow it could be your church, your school, your club, your political beliefs, or you. They (the government) have repeatedly shown they aren't to be trusted. From the IRS targeting conservative non-profits to Congress bailing out the fat cats that caused the last fiscal crisis, or making laws that are obviously not in the best interest of the people (not corporations) they are supposed to serve. Perhaps insurance companies would like that information before they quote you health, auto, or home insurance.
So the real issue is not that Google collects the data, it is that we know that data will be abused at some point. If not by Google, by our government, if not by our government by some other party. Knowledge = Power and Google has a lot of knowledge, so you can bet people will be wanting to leverage that knowledge for themselves so that they can wield power.
In fact, some would argue it is already being abused. Some companies use all the meta-data they have on you to adjust pricing. For instance if they know your a 20-30 something guy really into sports that sports stuff will have a higher price tag than if your a woman who doesn't appear to be into sports. That purse will cost her more than it will cost you, unless your metadata says your a cross dresser.
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Re: Re: Re: Anything that can't be checked: DON'T TRUST.
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Anything that can't be checked: DON'T TRUST.
It makes 0 difference if I trust Google if the NSA or anyone else has tapped into Googles Systems (With or without their knowledge).
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Is never ever going to happen unless it is done is tiny tine portions for a period of time no longer than a nanosecond.
Joke attempt:
What really saddens me is that there are people, well educated, intelligent people who truly believe they can get away with anything as long as they lie.
This surveillance apparatus will eventually be abused, if it is not being already and there is zero accountability build into that system.
Apparently the mentality inside the government is that, nobody but them can understand or comprehend the issues being put out, how can these people be responsible for governing a free democratic society when they don't believe that people are intelligent enough to make their own decisions?
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Milkin' it like there's no tomorrow!!!
Milkin' it like there's no tomorrow!!!
Milkin' it like there's no tomorrow!!!
Milkin' it like there's no tomorrow!!!
NO ONE WILL PUBLISH MORE WORDS ABOUT THIS AND MILK IT MORE THAN MIKE "MILK MAN" MASNICK.
No one.
And no one will be less willing to discuss anything on the merits than Mike. Hmm... Wonder what he's so ashamed of...
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Yeah.....
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Go peddle your bullshit somewhere else. It seems like you're worried about all the coverage....got something to hide?
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Why not?
Just stop asking for permission. If you think it is wrong, then push back!
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Re: Why not?
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Re: Re: Why not?
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Led some? This only reinforces what duplicitous liars they are. Which, unless you are in complete and total denial has been obvious for some time.
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Don't Forget the Phone Metadata
Thanks to CapitalistLionTamer via the Insider Chat window comes this very interesting analysis of how this might work.
http://kieranhealy.org/blog/archives/2013/06/09/using-metadata-to-find-paul-revere/
Once these connections are made, then they can go after the content.
Now only if it worked and they actually caught some of the folks they should be looking for, instead of truly awful 'examples' and folks who call them out for incompetence.
Can they name any actual successes?
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I think it is clear enough that Google rushed putting out the statement about not being aware of direct access from NSA. That is the kind that does not require a court order for search and seizure.
Now, they will be trying to do damage control by putting out some "numbers"
Give president a few days to analyze the situation come up with public address "excuse" only THEN Google will get their package of numbers to report.
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Transparency
excellent barb Google, keep up the good work!
If nothing else, I would indicate in the report that FISA and other requests have been received and acted upon, just without numbers until allowed.
sweet sweet Google. :-P
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