I’d be interested in hearing the take that some of the lawyers I know have on this, but basically George W. has asked for Google’s database records. Google has said no (ps-Yahoo, AOL, and Microsoft all gave in), claiming that it gives too much private information.
Google is resisting Bush Administration attempts to force it to hand over records about the behaviour of millions of people who use its search engine.
The Justice Department wants data about every internet search during a one-week period. It claims the information is vital to restore online child protection laws the US Supreme Court struck down.
But Google said the White House demands were too broad. It said to comply would give the impression it was willing to disclose personal information about those who use its services, “not a perception that Google can accept”.
I can see the point that Google wants to convey, that they are still the “anti-Microsoft” and anti-big business. I can also see that if they gave in to this request (which doesn’t seem to ask too much, but seems like a starting point to snowball into something huge), it would basically open the doors for more and more information to be given out whenever the government wants it.
So Pooh, what’s your “I’m a big lawyer now” take on the issue? Does Google have a leg to stand on, or are they up shit creek without a paddle?
Not completely my area, but it seems that the governments request is massively overbroad, and intentionally so. The familiar “because we CAN” ethic I fear. I honestly have no way how this will come out, but some better analysis than I give is here.