Feds After Google Records

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Google is promising a fight after the federal government unveiled Thursday that it wants the search engine records that detail what users are searching for online, marking a bold move on the part of the Bush administration to revive the spirit of the infamous Child Online Protection Act shot down by the Supreme Court more than two years ago.

According to the subpoena, which was filed last year, Federal prosecutors embattled in a case with the American Civil Liberties Union over the Child Online Protection Act want Google to cough up more than a million records.

“The production of those materials would be of significant assistance to the government's preparation of its defense of the constitutionality of this important statue,” prosecutors said in the filing.

Google has so far “failed to comply” with the request, which asks for a million “random web addresses,” as well as the freedom to acquire records of all Google searches conduced during any one-week time frame.

Ashok Ramani, commercial litigation counsel for Google, responded to the request in a letter sent to the Justice Department in August, in which he calls the subpoena “defective.”

“[This subpoena] is overbroad, vague, unduly burdensome and intended to harass,” Ramani wrote.

Google attorney Nicole Wong has promised Google will “vigorously” oppose the government's efforts.

“Google is not a party to this lawsuit, and the demand for the information is overreaching,” she told reporters in San Jose Thursday.

The full text of the subpoena and corresponding letters can be read here.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Phoenix Marie Sues Aylo, Danny D Over Incident on Digital Playground Set

Phoenix Marie has filed a lawsuit against Aylo, performer/producer Danny D and other defendants, alleging she has suffered defamation and damage to her career over a 2023 incident on a Digital Playground set in Spain.

New Premium Creator Platform 'Lemon Social' Launches

Premium creator platform Lemon Social has debuted.

Atlanta Authorities Renew Attack on Adult Boutique Tokyo Valentino

The saga of beleaguered Georgia adult boutique Tokyo Valentino continues with a renewed attempt by authorities to shut down another of its locations.

MomPOV Producer Pleads Guilty in GirlsDoPorn Case

MomPOV producer Doug Wiederhold, who was formerly the partner of GirlsDoPorn owner Michael Pratt as well as the first male talent for GDP, pleaded guilty Thursday to a federal conspiracy charge.

Streamate Exec Liz Rek Joins FSC Board

The Free Speech Coalition board of directors has tapped Streamate executive Liz Rek as its newest member, effective immediately.

2024 XBIZ Creator Awards Nominees Announced; Voting Now Live

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2024 XBIZ Creator Awards, presented by Fansly.

Adult Site Broker Talk's Bruce Friedman Reflects on Podcast Success

The 200th episode of “Adult Site Broker Talk” will air next week, with 2023 XBIZ Performer of the Year Cherie DeVille as the featured guest.

FSC Asks Supreme Court to Overturn 5th Circuit Decision, Strike Texas' Age Verification Law

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) filed a petition for certiorari on Friday asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Fifth Circuit panel decision that partially upheld Texas’ controversial age verification law.

Details Emerge About Capture, Arrest of GirlsDoPorn's Michael Pratt

Further details have emerged in the past week about the capture and arrest of GirlsDoPorn owner Michael Pratt in Spain in December 2022, following his extradition to the U.S. last month.

Magdalene St. Michaels, Andy Rodrigues Named as AEBN Top Stars for Q1 of 2024

AEBN has announced its top-selling stars for the first quarter of 2024, with Magdalene St. Michaels landing atop the leader board for straight theaters and Andy Rodrigues heading up the gay rankings.

Show More