News

Google Rebuffs FBI Request for User Location Data

Google Rebuffs FBI Request for User Location Data

Photo: clipart.com


PORTLAND, Maine (AP)   Court documents show the FBI demanded Google hand over user location data while investigating a series of armed robberies in Maine.

According to the search warrant as first reported by Forbes magazine, the FBI wanted data from every person using Google location services near two or more of the robberies in the Portland area.

The warrant signed by a judge March 30 sought information including the user’s names, addresses, means of payment and telephone numbers. It also prohibited Google from telling users about the FBI’s demand.

Court records show Google never provided the data.

Police later arrested the suspected robber using DNA samples and surveillance footage.

Court records show 38-year-old Travis Card, of Westbrook, pleaded guilty to 11 robberies or attempted robberies Aug. 2.

Latest Headlines

5 hours ago in Local

Waldoboro Police Looking for Missing Man

Officers first announced the man was missing last Friday.

6 hours ago in Local

New Scam Targets Mainers With QR Code for Payments

The message included a QR code with payment instructions and a list of violations.

7 hours ago in Local

Bates College Lifts Shelter-In-Place as Lewiston Police Search for Armed Man

Students at Bates College in Lewiston were told to shelter-in-place Thursday afternoon due to reports of a man with a gun.

10 hours ago in Local

Maine motorcyclist dies after crashing into utility pole in Wales

A 51-year-old motorcyclist is dead after police say he crashed into a utility pole in Wales.

10 hours ago in Local

Maine Congressman Golden is sole House Democrat to vote against war powers resolution

Maine Democratic Congressman Jared Golden joined Republicans in defeating a measure to limit the president's ability to wage war in Iran.