The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has formally requested that the attorneys general of California and New York launch investigations into Google's data-sharing practices with law enforcement agencies, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a detailed letter to state officials, the digital rights organization alleges that Google has engaged in deceptive trade practices by failing to notify users before disclosing their personal information to authorities. The EFF claims this violates Google's own long-standing privacy commitments to its global user base.
"For nearly a decade, Google has promised billions of users that it will notify them before disclosing their personal data to law enforcement," the organization stated in its correspondence. "Our investigation reveals systematic failures to uphold these promises, particularly in cases involving immigration enforcement."
The advocacy group's action comes amid growing scrutiny of technology companies' cooperation with government agencies. Privacy experts have raised concerns about the potential for digital surveillance to disproportionately impact immigrant communities and other vulnerable populations.
While Google has maintained that it complies with legal requirements for data requests, the EFF argues that the company's notification policies—when followed—provide users with crucial opportunities to challenge government demands for their information. The organization contends that bypassing these notifications undermines fundamental privacy protections.
California and New York attorneys general have previously demonstrated willingness to investigate major technology companies over privacy concerns, with both states having established dedicated units focused on digital rights and consumer protection. The EFF's request adds to mounting pressure on tech giants to increase transparency about their data-sharing practices with government entities.