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Feds Ordered Google To Unmask Certain YouTube Users. Critics Say It’s ‘Terrifying.’ (www.forbes.com)

submitted 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) by MediaSensationalism@covert.nexus to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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cross-posted from: https://covert.nexus/post/20450

Summary:

Federal investigators have requested Google to provide information on all users who watched specific YouTube videos within a certain timeframe, sparking privacy concerns from civil rights groups. The videos had collectively been watched over 30,000 times.

The case involves undercover agents sending tutorial links for mapping via drones and augmented reality software to an individual, “elonmuskwhm,” who is suspected of violating money laundering laws and unlicensed money transmitting.

Court orders obtained by Forbes show that the government instructed Google to disclose user data, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, account activity for Google account holders, and IP addresses for non-account holders who watched the videos. The government argues that this data collection was relevant to their criminal investigation.

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[-] themeatbridge@lemmy.world 31 points 7 months ago

It's important to recognize that the privacy violation doesn't end with that one investigation. Plenty of people will say "I don't mind if you violate my privacy if you're catching terrorists and pedophiles."

Once your information is associated with an account or an IP address, anybody monitoring online activity will have that info. The police don't give back anonymity. Looking for an abortion? Legal marijuana? Your local polling place? A satanic book club? Maybe you have strong feelings about police brutality, or want to organize a union, or think billionaires shouldn't be able to hoard resources. And that's just the stuff your local PD might want to know about you. Maybe they share with other agencies, or political action committees, or kommunity organizations to which they may be members.

The police have demonstrated that they cannot be trusted. Protect yourself, and protect the future.

this post was submitted on 26 Mar 2024

182 points (96.4% liked)

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