Google denies FBI interest in Gmail
<img src='http://www.kaiowas.biz/uploads/news/organization/google/google_logo.jpg' style='margin:5px;' align='left' height='80'>The search firm's denial came after the Electronic Privacy Information Centre (EPIC) submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the FBI seeking information about whether the bureau was considering the "possible use of Google's Gmail service for law enforcement and intelligence investigations." EPIC, which gave an award last week to a California state senator who is trying to ban Gmail, announced the request immediately after Google said it was filing for an initial public offering.
The search firm's denial came after the Electronic Privacy Information Centre (EPIC) submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the FBI seeking information about whether the bureau was considering the "possible use of Google's Gmail service for law enforcement and intelligence investigations." EPIC, which gave an award last week to a California state senator who is trying to ban Gmail, announced the request immediately after Google said it was filing for an initial public offering.
Critics immediately criticised EPIC's request as a publicity stunt because the nonprofit likened Google's Web-based email service to the FBI's controversial Carnivore wiretapping utility and the Pentagon's discontinued "Orwellian Total Information Awareness program."
EPIC's request also asked whether Google had discussed licensing its search technology, in use by customers in the private sector, to the FBI "to further law enforcement investigations or intelligence gathering activities." Google spokesman Nathan Tyler replied: "I cannot confirm whether they're using our technology."
Source: http://news.zdnet.co.uk/internet/security/0,39020375,39153367,00.htm
ghost
Mr_Cheese 18 years ago
i cant see it happening. every few months theres something like this reported. If gmail did go through and let the FBI access to every email account, then the majority of gmail users would leave and find alternative webmail providers. Gmail isnt stupid, it knows this too, so i cant see gmail letting it happen. Also im skeptical that the FBI have the power to close gmail if it doesnt comply. So to cut a long story short. In my opinion you have nothing to worry about.
ghost 18 years ago
Is it because of Google's popularity that makes the U.S. government target them for use in their attempt to control everyone or what? Those bastards need to keep their grubby paws out of our cookie jars….,ugh!
ghost 18 years ago
they will all die….its that simple, why bother trying to kill them? let them die slowly and painfully, like i am……and you are all…..thats all life is…get used to it, or legalize euthenasia…..
ghost 18 years ago
GODD, one country, Sweden, (or Switzerland I can never remember).
Say GMail did let the FBI get into the accounts, what about the people who use it in other countries? eh? eh? EH?
ghost 18 years ago
have a very good point there displayed, But im sure that even if the FBI WAS allowed access, google porbably has countries divided into categories. (pardon my spelling) So they would not be granted access to other countries.
imho…
Wiretapping involving terrorist- Good.
Accessing email accounts for anything–well, im not sure.
Whats the opinion about yahoomail around here??