Global governments’ requests for personal user data from Big Tech companies, such as Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, have been on the rise, according to a study conducted by Surfshark. The study covered the period from 2013 to 2021, with 2020 witnessing a 38% year-over-year increase, followed by a 25% increase in 2021. The data requests are usually related to criminal investigations or civil or administrative cases that require digital data.
The study indicated that Meta had the most accounts of interest from authorities, with two out of five accounts hosted by Meta requested, followed by Microsoft, Apple, and Google. However, Apple had the fewest requested accounts, with only 416,000 requested from global authorities.
The report revealed that 60% of the requests came from authorities in the United States and Europe, with the US requesting more than double the accounts per 100,000 users than all EU countries combined. Following the US, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and France had the highest number of requests for personal user data.
The rate of disclosure of user data by Big Tech companies increased by nearly 71%. Apple leads in disclosing information, with a disclosure rate of 86% in 2021 and an average disclosure rate of 82% during the study period.
Gabriele Kaveckyte, a member of the privacy counsel at Surfshark, stated that authorities are exploring methods to monitor and address crime through online services. However, civil society organizations are concerned about encouraging surveillance techniques.
The decentralization and Web3 tools have often been suggested as solutions to overcoming the Big Tech monopoly on user information. In February, Damus, a decentralized version of Twitter, was launched in app stores, attempting to be a “social network you control.” Even Big Tech firms have begun to explore the Web3 space, with Meta unsuccessfully introducing NFTs on Instagram and Facebook.
The study’s findings demonstrate the need for more stringent regulations to safeguard user data and the need for technological advancements that prioritize privacy. However, Surfshark’s report does not reveal how these companies use personal user data, which has been a source of concern among privacy advocates.
The Surfshark study emphasizes the urgency for more robust data protection regulations that prioritize the privacy of users. The report also highlights the importance of technological advancements that promote privacy while supporting digital innovation. Nevertheless, Surfshark’s findings do not reveal how companies use personal user data, which remains a pressing concern for privacy advocates. As governments and Big Tech companies continue to grapple with data protection, it is essential to strike a balance between privacy and digital progress. The pursuit of a secure and equitable digital future requires a collaborative effort between all stakeholders to create comprehensive solutions that protect user privacy without hindering technological advancement.