Three Internet giants who allegedly worked closely with the National Security Agency (NSA) are hoping to have the US government let them open up more about the orders they receive from the US government for user data.
Google, Facebook and Yahoo have all placed pressure on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to let them publish figures on how many data requests they receive that are signed off by the court.
Facebook, Google and Yahoo have signed petitions with the FISC asking for permission to publish additional data on national security requests received under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
The companies are also meeting with President Obama’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technology to discuss transparency.
“We’ll reiterate the same message there: that the levels of secrecy that have built up around national security requests undermine the basic freedoms that are at the heart of a democratic society,” said Google’s Richard Salgado, director for law enforcement and information security, and Pablo Chavez, director for public policy and government affairs.
Yahoo general counsel Ron Bell added: “The United States should lead the world when it comes to transparency, accountability, and respect of civil liberties and human rights. The US Government’s recent decision to release aggregate annual data about its requests for phone call logs and Internet chats was an important first step in this direction.
“Granting our petition for greater transparency around national security requests for user data is a critical second step.”
Shhh! Do our whistleblowers quiz, but keep it quiet…
Boeing Starliner space capsule set for first crewed flight into orbit after years of delays,…
Google clashes with US Justice Department in closing arguments as government argues Google used illegal…
Prominent Stanford University AI scientist Fei-Fei Li reportedly completes funding round for start-up based on…
Apple shares surge on optimism that new AI-focused hardware launches will drive renewed sales, starting…
Biden vetoes Republican-backed measure amidst dispute over 'joint employer' status for contract workers, affecting tech…
Lawyers in US social media addiction action say strict controls on Douyin in China show…