Is Your Data Protected From Government Requests?

Most Americans believe Government surveillance of private data has gone a bit too far recently. Even though there are compliance procedures that many organizations follow, the line is still a little unclear on how much is too much.

In an interesting research study, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), has published its report on the best practices followed by Internet companies, email providers and data centers with regards to protecting data flow. Here are some of the best practices followed by organizations who are dedicated to protecting their users:

• Warrant-Based Communications: Companies that meet this criteria require that the government submit a warrant from a neutral magistrate along with a supported cause before they pass on any user data.
• Informing Users about Government Requests: Some companies inform users in advance if possible on the requests made by the government so that users get an opportunity to protect themselves and move the dispute to court, if needed.
• Publish National Security Requests: Even though there is tight legislation around the publishing of government requests, some level of transparency has been allowed and many organizations publish reports on the frequency and nature of government requests.
• Law Enforcing Guides: Some companies publish their policies on how they deal with requests from the government with regards to data. This makes users more aware of how well their vendors are equipped to handle data protection situations.
• Move to Court: These are companies that are bold enough to go to court when data requests from the government are irrational and uncalled for, in an attempt to protect their users.
• Opposing Mass Surveillance in Public Domains: Most technology companies have now started using their access to public domains to give their opinion against mass surveillance of data. This makes them stand out as leaders who voice what they believe in.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) report awarded stars to companies for each criteria above that it successfully met. The clear winners who received all six stars were leading technology companies such as Apple, Credo Mobile, Dropbox, Facebook, Google, Twitter, Sonic.net and Yahoo!.

For more information on data protection methods and compliance against Government policies, do get it touch with the data center experts at Lifeline Data Centers today.

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.