Google broke its promise to me – now ICE has my data
eff.org
April 15, 2026
4 min read
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81/100
Summary
In April 2025, Google complied with an ICE subpoena and provided Amandla Thomas-Johnson's data without notifying him, violating a previous promise to inform users before sharing their information with law enforcement. Thomas-Johnson, a Ph.D. candidate, had attended a pro-Palestinian protest in September 2024, which led to the data request.
Key Takeaways
- Google provided Amandla Thomas-Johnson's data to ICE in response to an administrative subpoena without notifying him, violating its promise to alert users before such disclosures.
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation filed complaints with California and New York Attorneys General against Google for deceptive trade practices related to this incident.
- The subpoena requested detailed information about Thomas-Johnson, including IP addresses and physical address, which could create an invasive surveillance profile.
- The incident highlights the risks of combining state power with corporate data, allowing for arbitrary investigations of individuals.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- Migrating away from Google services empowers users to take control of their data, reducing reliance on companies that may comply with government data requests.
- Self-hosting solutions like Immich offer users a viable alternative to mainstream cloud services, enhancing privacy and data security.
Concerns
- Google's compliance with ICE subpoenas raises serious ethical concerns about user privacy and the extent of corporate responsibility in protecting data.
- The increasing surveillance capabilities of government agencies, facilitated by tech companies, contribute to a climate of fear and mistrust among users.
