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Google was ordered to identify people who watched certain YouTube videos. Privacy experts say the orders are unconstitutional. (www.forbes.com)

submitted 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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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.

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[–] [email protected] 20 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (4 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

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

How is one supposed to go about creating a multi national gun manufacturing titan if you can't make a few pipe shotguns?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago (1 children)

*legal

*legally

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago

Fixed it for you

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

I think this comment is possibly one of the best times to use: 🤓

My dude only asked what the videos were lol

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

🤓🥸🤓

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago

Tell me it was "Top 10 Steven Universe Betrayals" without telling me it was "Top 10 Steven Universe Betrayals"