""Don't play Russian roulette with [this man's] life," Jon told lead DHS prosecutor, Joseph Dernbach, in the email. "Err on the side of caution. There's a reason the US government along with many other governments don't recognise the Taliban. Apply principles of common sense and decency." Five hours later, per WaPo, Jon received a response - not from Dernbach or the DHS, but from Google."
""Google has received legal process from a Law Enforcement authority compelling the release of information related to your Google Account," it read. The email advised Jon that the "legal process" was an administrative subpoena, issued by DHS. Soon, government agents would arrive at his home. The subpoena wasn't approved by any judge, and it didn't require probable cause. Google gave Jon just seven days to challenge it in federal court - not nearly enough time for someone without a crack team of lawyers on retainer."
A 67-year-old retiree emailed a DHS prosecutor urging mercy for an Afghan asylum seeker and warning against returning him to persecution. Hours later Google informed the retiree that DHS had served legal process compelling disclosure of information related to his Google Account and that agents would visit his home. The legal process was an administrative subpoena that required no judicial approval or probable cause. Google gave seven days to challenge the subpoena but did not provide a copy. The rapid, nontransparent subpoenas and short deadlines create a chilling effect on citizens contacting officials.
Read at Futurism
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