Microsoft Asks US Government to Increase Transparency in Requests for Users’ Data

By: Jeff Stewart  |   June 13th, 2013   |   Apple, Google, News

Google recently sent a letter to the US government in which the company requested the authorities to allow it to unveil the exact number of “national security requests” and “FISA disclosures,” so users around the world could realize that the company was not a part of the secret PRISM surveillance program. Google took this step because people were severely criticising the company after the PRISM surveillance report according to which the search engine has allegedly given National Security Agency (NSA) direct access to users’ data. However, Google was not the only major tech company that was named in this case, Microsoft, Facebook and Apple were also a part of the list and they are also receiving a lot of criticism for violating users’ privacy. Software giant Microsoft has now also demanded an increase in transparency for government requests to obtain users’ information and data.

 

In an emailed statement, Microsoft said that “[p]ermitting greater transparency on the aggregate volume and scope of national security requests, including FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) orders, would help the community understand and debate these important issues. Our recent report went as far as we legally could and the government should take action to allow companies to provide additional transparency”.

 

This email statement of Microsoft was not much different from Google’s request. Here is an excerpt from Google’s letter to US government:

 

“We therefore ask you to help make it possible for Google to publish in our Transparency Report aggregate numbers of national security requests, including FISA disclosures—in terms of both the number we receive and their scope. Google’s numbers would clearly show that our compliance with these requests falls far short of the claims being made. Google has nothing to hide.”

 

Although, both Director of Intelligence and US President Barack Obama have disapproved PRISM surveillance claims, people are still angry with these tech companies, as their response statements were vague and also did not describe whether they provide agencies indirect access to users’ data. As a result of that both Google and Microsoft along with other allegedly involved companies are still taking public flake.

 

For the time being leading tech corporations, including Microsoft will have to endure this pain, as this issue will take some time to get cleared. The developing story may take a new turn, as the person who had leaked the internal CIA documents regarding PRISM is still missing from the scene after the interview.

 

Source: TNW

Photo: TNW