Microsoft in fresh US privacy battle as judge demands overseas email addresses
Microsoft has become embroiled in a fresh privacy battle in the United States after a judge ordered the firm to hand over international customer email addresses as part of a criminal search warrant.
Currently stored at a data centre in Ireland the case has stoked fresh concern amongst privacy campaigners and the technology industry who argue that courts do not have the right to demand data held abroad.
Amongst those backing Microsoft in the case are Apple, AT&T, Cisco Systems and Verizon but US district judge Loretta Preska ruled against Microsoft, stating that ‘It is a question of control, not a question of the location of that information.’
Prosecutor Serrin Turner added: ““It makes no sense for Congress to make the government go on a wild-goose chase ... when the provider is sitting here in this country and can access the data at the touch of a button.”
Microsoft has been granted a temporary reprieve whilst they appeal the decision to the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals.