Google Ordered To Turn Over Jussie Smollett's Data

Google Ordered To Turn Over Jussie Smollett's Data

A judge signed off on two search warrants ordering Google to hand over Smollett's personal information.

 

He’s baaaaack in the news. I also heard that an investigation is looking into the Kim Foxx handling of the situation. More fake racism claims about to be exposed.

 

While I feel Smollett belongs in prison, this a terrible precedent to set.

 

Hope Google fights back on this... they won’t though.

 

I’m sure we could get some FISA warrants fairly easy.

 

Maybe Google can delete, bleach bit and take a hammer to the server that contains all Jussie’s email. I mean it worked for Hillary. On second thought they better not. Crooked Comey isn’t in charge of the FBI anymore.

 

You don't see the long term issue here? I mean beyond the revenge desire for Smollett?

 

Well, the RICO Act passed 50 years ago and people don’t seem to mind. People want transparency. There is undisputed evidence that Smollett committed a felony. Not only staged a fake hate crime, but reported it to police, lied on a victim statement and lied on a national media source. Don’t forget that the FBI is still investigating the hate letter that was sent to the tv network threatening to lynch Jussie.

 

What is the precedent that you're worried about here? Google is the owner of the data so what is the concern?

 

I won’t hold my breath. Google will just roll over. They have no qualms about selling user info. Can’t imagine they’d have a problem turning it over to the government.

 

Hill-Dog has got some some prime real estate in your brainspace, doesn’t she?

 

Assuming user info is Google’s property and not the property of its users, why are you okay with government demanding the turn over of private industry assets?

 

Not sure, again what the concern is. If the government is investigating a crime, why do you suppose that a company should be able to resist that investigation?

 

I not sure who the owner of the data is relevant as long as Google is in possession of it with the ultimate owner’s permission (and especially given their TOS almost certainly states that they will hand data over in response to legal warrants).

In general terms though, I see no issue with a legitimate warrant to collect evidence in relation to a criminal investigation. If anything, the fact it’s digital data means it will be less impactful to Google since they’ll only need to provide copies. There will be countless examples of individuals and organisations loosing access to valuable physical property that is evidence in a criminal case. I don’t really see a moral difference here, only the various practical differences.

 

On what grounds does the government claim Google’s property is relevant to the crime?

 

I take your point, and it’s a fair one. I just view this as potential government over reach and all those usually opposed to the idea are in favor when it suits their cause.

 

Perhaps you could ask their lawyers. The assertion is that Smolett used the Google platform to perpetrate a crime. Do you suppose that Google should be immune to turning over the evidence that is theirs to turn over in pursuit of that investigation? Perhaps you could read the law first before you answer. It might change your tune here...

 

Google will do what it will do, my opinion holds little value on the matter.

 

Ah. the truth. So, you're worried that perhaps one day government could ask those providers that you've assigned content to through your inability to read or understand their TOS and now you're what? Perhaps, as long as you haven't actually committed a crime, they won't be interested in your content. Just saying..

 

True.

 

"The warrants, filed last month in Circuit Court, sought a trove of documentation from Smollett and his manager’s Google accounts — not just emails but also drafted and deleted messages; any files in their Google Drive cloud storage services; any Google Voice texts, calls and contacts; search and web browsing history; and location data." It will be very interesting to see if the court gets this information, and if they do what they find.

 

Ah, the if you’ve got nothing to hide argument.
I’m perfectly capable of reading and understanding a TOS. I just also know in my line of work not interacting with Google and other info gathering companies is not an option. Sign of the times I guess.

 

I see no justification to suspect "government over reach" in this case compared to any other and you seem to be favouring a cause as much as anyone else.

 

I don't see how this is really any different than getting a search warrant to go thru someone's office, files, cell phone bills, etc.. I'm sure investigators had to prove a similar (same?) level of probably cause to go after the Google records? In which case, I don't see what the problem is.....

If they wanted the information for a fishing expedition, that would be different, and I would be opposed.

 

What cause would that be? Protecting Smollett? Couldn’t be further from the truth. He did major damage to the credibility of future victims. I despise the man.