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Google's not fighting Gmail subpoenas
Google has been issued a subpoena for the IP addresses of some Caribbean journalists, and intends to hand them over, according to WikiLeaks. In case you're not familiar WikiLeaks is meant to be a safe place for whistleblowers to post politically sensitive documents, particularly those dealing with government corruption. TCI Journal, based in the Turks & Caicos Islands, uncovered a huge payoff from a property development company to one of the island's top government officials. After the scandal blew, the British government took over control of the islands from the corrupt government. Now, corrupt developers are using a subpoena to get the IP address behind the newspaper's Gmail account, and Google doesn't appear to be fighting it. A letter from Google to the Journal indicates that they'll be handing over the IP addresses in two weeks, and suggests the Journal take things up with the court in California if that's going to be a problem. If Google's setting a precedent here, that could be a problem for any Gmail user who finds himself on the receiving end of a lawsuit. I suspect online privacy watchdogs will take Google to task not only for failing to anonymize its records, but for turning them over without a fight.
Comments
12
Subscribe to commentsRogueJedi86Aug 31st 2009 5:22PM
I don't intend on dealing with corrupt governments any time soon, so I'm not too worried about Google giving out my GMail info during such an occurrence. :)
PeterAug 31st 2009 5:36PM
Don't be so foolish to think it's going to stop with something of this scale. Next time it won't be a corrupt government, it will be your ex-wife, your boss, your insurance company, your landlord or anyone else who wants to put the screws to you in one way or another.
This sets a VERY bad precedent if Google gives in that easily.
RogueJedi86Aug 31st 2009 6:33PM
Maybe Google just doesn't like government corruption. You're drawing this out to its unnatural conclusion based on Google's decision on a very specific condition.
Also, I'm not married, I don't work, I don't pay insurance, and I live with my parents, so none of your examples apply to me. I love Google and I do nothing illicit with my GMail account. I fully welcome our Google Overlords.
EvenioAug 31st 2009 8:03PM
So...what you're telling us is that you plan to remain single, jobless and in your parents' house for the rest of your life? :)
Money MikeAug 31st 2009 8:04PM
"Maybe Google just doesn't like government corruption."
I think you got it backwards, buddy.
Regardless, that philosophy is extremely flawed. It's the same argument as "I've got nothing to hide, I don't care if they record my private phone conversations." If you really feel that way, then you clearly haven't done your homework and you haven't thought it through all the way.
Tom MoitieSep 1st 2009 4:33AM
"Maybe Google just doesn't like government corruption. "
Wrong. Google are releasing the IP addresses of anonymous journalists who are fighting against the government level corruption of the Turks & Caicos Islands. This could result in threats against the lives of the journalists who have fought to free the island from corruption.
ButtersAug 31st 2009 6:06PM
Just use a hushmail account behind Tor for any sensitive email activities :)
secion8Aug 31st 2009 11:33PM
This is very disappointing news... I use google apps for my business and if they are too cave this easily I will be moving to another provider. Google, why are you caving so easily? Who stole your sack too protect your users? Just remember, without users you are a nobody... billion dollar company or not...
chrisarozSep 1st 2009 9:29AM
It's no different than if you hosted it yourself. They've clearly stated they maintain your email and will turn it over if required. As a business, you should be keeping your emails archived (if not required by law) for an extended period of time in case you're sued anyway.
I don't know if you guys have been told this before, but the internet's not anonymous.
hazardSep 1st 2009 5:44AM
No big surprise here. Google makes a lotta money from _sharing_ your personal information not _protecting_ it.
Rick PoolSep 1st 2009 1:53PM
I certainly do want anyone attacking me and then logging off without having any responsibility for their actions. It's a basic right to be able to face your accuser. If TCI Journal is really a news media outlet, as this article claims, then they would use their names - or at least have the decencies to cite your sources or corroborate facts, not use innuendo to sway public opinion. That's journalism 101 folks: integrity.
trex279Sep 1st 2009 3:05PM
So much for "Do no evil".