Google expected to be ordered to release search data

In the continuing struggle online between privacy v. the enforcement of crime and security laws - the latest news is from NewsFactorNetwork regarding the Department of Justice proceedings to force Google to hand over search data records. It was reported that U.S. District Judge James Ware said he will order Google to turn over some of its records to DOJ officials as part of the Bush administration's effort to revive a law meant to shield children from online pornography. While Yahoo, AOL and MSN had previously complied with the request from the DOJ, Google refused to comply. The refusal amongst other reasons was due to concerns about user privacy.

This case highlights the potential problem of how large databases with collated information about user behaviour can become controversially used by both unethical advertisers as well as law enforcement - without the knowledge nor approval of the users.

Judge Will Order Google To Release Search Data on Yahoo! News