Google gets "dozens" of requests for users' information from governments, courts and police forces around the world every day, according to the company. These requests are up 70% over the last three years, but exactly how Google handles data demands from government agencies has been a mystery — until now.
Google does everything in its power to keep user data private when it's legally able to do so. Police or courts might ask Google to turn over user data if it's considered relevant to an investigation. When Google receives such a request, it pours over the request to ensure it complies with the law and Google's own policies.
If a request passes this stage, Google then considers whether the request is overly broad in scope. If Google decides the request is indeed too broad, it either denies the request or looks to narrow it. For example, a hypothetical request might demand Google hand over five months of a users' emails and his YouTube uploads. Google could take steps to narrow that down to, say, one month of emails and no YouTube content.
After a request passes these benchmarks, Google notifies targeted users that a request has been made for their information — if it's legally able. Warrants are occasionally sealed to protect an investigation. In this case, Google takes steps to make the warrant public so that it may notify the user. Notification of a request allows users to contact legal counsel.
Finally and most significantly, Google's standards for handing over user data are stronger than those required by American law — an important and controversial point. The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) requires police to obtain a warrant only for emails and other electronic communications less than six months old.
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