Google complies with 94% of U.S. data requests

In its latest Transparency Report, Google has disclosed that it recieved 4,601 requests for user data from government agencies in the United States and either “fully or partially” complied with 94% of those requests.  These requests include those from law enforcement as part of criminal investigations.

The company also disclosed that it received 54 government requests to remove content and that it complied with 87% of those, resulting in the removal of 1,421 items.   Most of the items removed were based on “defamation,” but there were 3 items removed because of “privacy and security,” 1 because of “violence” and 1 because of “national security.”  36 removed items were classified as “other.”

Google also disclosed requests and compliance rates with other countries. For example, it complied with 79% of the 1,699 requests from India but only 12% of Poland’s 272 requests and none of Turkey’s 45 requests.

“Our goal is to provide our users access to information and to protect the privacy of our users,” according to Google’s official blog. “Whenever we receive a request, we first check to make sure it meets both the letter and spirit of the law before complying. When possible, we notify affected users about requests for user data that may affect them. And, if we believe a request is overly broad, we will seek to narrow it. ”

Click here for details on each country

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply