This is an interesting case where the FBI was investigating a person suspected of selling Bitcoin for cash. He apparently had created and posted a few YouTube videos related to drone use, not specifically Bitcoin activities. The investigators asked Google to supply a list of ALL users who watched the videos and for the IP address of anyone watching without a google login. The order was granted and within the order Google was required to keep the order secret. I assume, until the investigation was complete”
So, what does this mean for you? I guess as we already know, anything you view online can be subpoenaed by the government. Even if what you are viewing has nothing to do with illegal activities, you may be considered “part of an investigation” merely by association with another content creator or contributor.
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In conversations with the user in early January, undercover agents sent links of YouTube tutorials for mapping via drones and augmented reality software, then asked Google for information on who had viewed the videos, which collectively have been watched over 30,000 times.
The court orders show the government telling Google to provide the names, addresses, telephone numbers and user activity for all Google account users who accessed the YouTube videos between January 1 and January 8, 2023. The government also wanted the IP addresses of non-Google account owners who viewed the videos.
So, what does this mean for you? I guess as we already know, anything you view online can be subpoenaed by the government. Even if what you are viewing has nothing to do with illegal activities, you may be considered “part of an investigation” merely by association with another content creator or contributor.
Feds Ordered Google To Unmask Certain YouTube Users. Critics Say It’s ‘Terrifying.’
The federal government asked Google to turn over information on anyone who viewed multiple YouTube videos. Privacy experts say the orders are unconstitutional.
www.forbes.com
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