Federal Bureau of Investigation in the US asked Google to names, addresses, phone numbers, and activity history of users who have watched certain videos on YouTube between January 1 and 8, 2023. These users included those who watched videos without being logged into their account, their IP address is enough for government authorities. Investigators reportedly ordered Google to hand over that information as part of an investigation into a person who uses the alias elonmuskwhm on the Internet.
Authorities suspect that elonmuskwhm sells bitcoins for cash, thereby violating money laundering laws and operating an unlicensed money transfer business. In early January, undercover agents allegedly sent the suspect links to videos of how-to videos on drone mapping and augmented reality software on YouTube. However, these videos it was not private and together they have been viewed by more than 30,000 users. And it is the information about these users that the FBI needs now.
It is not yet clear whether Google has turned over the data that authorities have requested. The interesting thing is that this is not an isolated case. Authorities also asked the company for a list of accounts that watched a live stream on YouTube of police searching the area after reports that an explosive was planted in a trash can.
A Google spokesperson said the company respects the privacy of its users. But critics and privacy advocates worry that government agencies are overstepping their authority and using it to obtain sensitive information about people who just happened to watch specific YouTube videos and in no way did anything illegal.
Source: engadget.com
