Big Tech Companies Share More User Data with US Government
- Apple, Google, and Meta have handed over data on 3.1 million accounts to the US government over the last 10 years.
- The number of requests for user data has increased by 600% on average over the same timeframe.
- Meta's data sharing surged by 675%, followed by Apple at 621% and Google at 530%.
- Big Tech companies comply with between 80-90% of US government data requests.
- Proton, a privacy-first company, encrypts user data and has very little to provide even if authorities demand it.
Introduction to Data Sharing
Big Tech companies like Apple, Google, and Meta have become the gatekeepers of personal data, storing vast amounts of information on their users. However, when authorities come knocking, these companies often comply with requests for user data.
A recent report by Proton found that over the last 10 years, Apple, Google, and Meta have handed over data on 3.1 million accounts to the US government. The number of requests for user data has skyrocketed, with an average increase of 600% over the same timeframe.
Compliance Rates
Proton's report also found that Apple, Google, and Meta comply with between 80-90% of US government data requests. This can include handing over user emails, files, messages, and other highly personal information.
Raphael Auphan, COO of Proton, stated that as long as Big Tech refuses to implement widespread end-to-end encryption, these massive private data reserves will remain open to abuse.
Comparison with Proton
Proton, a privacy-first company, also complies with government requests for user data. However, unlike Big Tech companies, Proton encrypts emails, files, and VPN traffic in a way that even the company itself cannot read or access.
This means that even if authorities demand data, Proton has very little to provide. The company operates under strict Swiss privacy laws, which add an extra layer of security for users.