Topics: Google

Justice Department Spreads Subpoenas

Posted by Thomas Claburn, Mar 29, 2006 07:14 PM

Search engines aren't the only companies being sent subpoenas. As part of its campaign to demonstrate the futility of Internet filtering, the U.S. Department of Justice has subpoenaed at least 34 Internet companies and software makers. The story is now posted on InformationWeek.com.

I discovered this thanks to a Freedom of Information Act request I filed with the Department of Justice. The DOJ complied, though rather selectively. I asked for records of government demands for information made to search engines or ISPs from January 2005 to the present.

What I got was 54 files related to the Department of Justice's COPA litigation. I find it hard to believe the government hasn't approached search engines and ISPs on a broader range of topics than explicit content. Granted, I didn't ask the Criminal Division of the DOJ. That's mostly because I doubted I'd get anything about criminal cases.

I find it somewhat troubling how the government treats the private sector as its private research arm. I'm sure we've not heard the last of this issue.

« Maybe It's Just That Nobody Gives A Cr-- Uh, Darn | Main | Weird News Of The Wired »

This is a public forum. United Business Media and its affiliates are not responsible for and do not control what is posted herein. United Business Media makes no warranties or guarantees concerning any advice dispensed by its staff members or readers.

Community standards in this comment area do not permit hate language, excessive profanity, or other patently offensive language. Please be aware that all information posted to this comment area becomes the property of United Business Media LLC and may be edited and republished in print or electronic format as outlined in United Business Media's Terms of Service.

Important Note: This comment area is NOT intended for commercial messages or solicitations of business.