Many tech giants, including Microsoft and Google, signed up for an alliance requesting that the U.S. government give them more understanding when it comes to sharing the details and personal information of online citizens. This of course was back in July, and it’s no surprise that today Google and Microsoft have decided to push forward with suing the U.S. government.
What sparked this move?
Many allegations from NSA leaker Edward Snowden have led to concerns about how social media companies like Facebook, and tech companies like Microsoft hand over their data. This could also be caused by reports about the government using the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to gain documents and information.
Microsoft wasn’t very happy finding out that they’d be receiving a report from the government with the requests each year from the FISA. Brad Smith, spokesperson for Microsoft on their company blog stated that,
“The government’s decision represents a good start, but the public deserves and the Constitution guarantees more than this first step.”
Both Google and Microsoft believe they should be able to choose what information is given to the government under their rights with the U.S Constitution. They did agree to six deadline extensions with talks including the government but they’ve resulted in failure.
This is much different than the normal Google and Microsoft we’re accustomed to. For once the duo is working together instead of against one another. How long will it last?
What do you think about this? Do Google and Microsoft have the right to decline requests of the U.S government?
