If a government wants to peek into your Web-based e-mail account, it is surprisingly easy, most of the time not even requiring a judge’s approval
Ever wonder what Google has planned for all of the information it's collecting on its users? Well, their intentions may be completely irrelevant. As it turns out, Google has been compelled to give over their user data by law enforcement at an increasing and alarming rate.
In the second half of 2012, the tech giant received more than 21,000 requests for information, which represents a 70-percent increase over three years. The majority of the requests came from the federal government, who was hoping for a peek into users' email accounts. In most cases, the Feds didn't need a judge's okay.
Google is fighting back, trying to rally support against government access to personal data. In this professional's opinion, however, that's a bit ironic considering Google's own policies on collecting user information.
Just remember, anytime you are using a webmail site like Gmail for communication, understand your email is absolutely not protected and is not private.
Do not send sensitive information or conduct business using these types of free webmail services.
If you must use these sites, gather the emails through an off-cloud software system, like Microsoft Outlook. Then, configure your Outlook settings to delete the emails from Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail or whatever cloud email service they are coming from, as soon as Outlook downloads them.
Ever wonder what Google has planned for all of the information it's collecting on its users? Well, their intentions may be completely irrelevant. As it turns out, Google has been compelled to give over their user data by law enforcement at an increasing and alarming rate.
In the second half of 2012, the tech giant received more than 21,000 requests for information, which represents a 70-percent increase over three years. The majority of the requests came from the federal government, who was hoping for a peek into users' email accounts. In most cases, the Feds didn't need a judge's okay.
Google is fighting back, trying to rally support against government access to personal data. In this professional's opinion, however, that's a bit ironic considering Google's own policies on collecting user information.
Just remember, anytime you are using a webmail site like Gmail for communication, understand your email is absolutely not protected and is not private.
Do not send sensitive information or conduct business using these types of free webmail services.
If you must use these sites, gather the emails through an off-cloud software system, like Microsoft Outlook. Then, configure your Outlook settings to delete the emails from Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail or whatever cloud email service they are coming from, as soon as Outlook downloads them.
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