The government has subpoenaed a week of search queries and a random list of a million Web addresses from Google to help its argument about how best to implement a 1998 anti-pornography law. The law has not yet come into force. Google has said it will contest the demand.
Bravo Google. I am all in favor of the government’s right to subpoena information, from internet companies or anyone else, but prosecutors must explain exactly why they need what they seek. A vague statement that it might be useful is insufficient. This appears to be a fishing expedition by the Bush administration of warrantless wiretapping fame. Google is right to resist.
It should be noted that AOL, Yahoo! and MSN turned over comparable user data without a peep.
Please share widely!
The government’s request seems quite ridiculous to me. They want to know how difficult it is for kids to Google online porn? Here’s a hint to the geniuses working over at the Justice Department: try Googling “blowjob.” Question answered.