Google will charge the legislative bodies for data requests ranging from $45 for a subpoena to $245 for a search warrant. Legislation has always allowed the tech-giant to charge for user data requests, but Google has never done it until now. Noting that, the fees might include some additional charges if the case demands it.
The aim and the purpose behind charging the law enforcement agencies is due to the manpower and resources spent on fulfilling a single request. Charges will force the law enforcement agencies to curtail excessive surveillance and focus on cases that are more important.
Google said that it will not request any reimbursement for cases involving life-threatening emergencies or if they are related to a child safety investigation.
Some of the law enforcement agencies are raising concerns over this new policy by Google. They believe that this will lead other companies to do the same as Google and will put pressure on the law enforcement to increase their budget or prioritize cases.
However, some departments are against this concern saying that this is a small fee and the departments only contact these companies when there is a major crime.
Although it is a good initiative by Google if you consider paying off the human power invested over this job, but it can pressurize law enforcement to not go in depth of most cases that might be more serious than the others – who knows.
Read next: Except For Google Other Tech Giants Including Facebook And Apple Increased Their Lobbying Spending In The Past Year
The aim and the purpose behind charging the law enforcement agencies is due to the manpower and resources spent on fulfilling a single request. Charges will force the law enforcement agencies to curtail excessive surveillance and focus on cases that are more important.
Google said that it will not request any reimbursement for cases involving life-threatening emergencies or if they are related to a child safety investigation.
Some of the law enforcement agencies are raising concerns over this new policy by Google. They believe that this will lead other companies to do the same as Google and will put pressure on the law enforcement to increase their budget or prioritize cases.
However, some departments are against this concern saying that this is a small fee and the departments only contact these companies when there is a major crime.
Although it is a good initiative by Google if you consider paying off the human power invested over this job, but it can pressurize law enforcement to not go in depth of most cases that might be more serious than the others – who knows.
Read next: Except For Google Other Tech Giants Including Facebook And Apple Increased Their Lobbying Spending In The Past Year
