Apple, Google and others support Microsoft's fight against secret data requests

Microsoft's recent lawsuit against the U.S. Justice Department that fights against gag orders for secret government data requests has the support of many companies, including from rivals like Apple and Google.

Reuters reports that the lawsuit, which Microsoft filed in April, had a deadline today for companies to file friend-of-the-court briefs. As it turns out, Microsoft has lots of friends for this particular case:

Microsoft's backers included the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, Delta Air Lines Inc , Eli Lilly and Co, BP America, the Washington Post, Fox News, the National Newspaper Association, Apple Inc, Alphabet Inc's Google, Amazon.com Inc, the Electronic Frontier Foundation and many others.

Microsoft claims that the U.S. Justice Department has violated the First and Fourth Amendments by ordering Microsoft to keep thousands of data requests from the government secret:

The Justice Department argues that Microsoft has no standing to bring the case and the public has a "compelling interest in keeping criminal investigations confidential." Procedural safeguards also protect constitutional rights, it contends. A Justice Department spokesman declined comment on Friday's filings.

There's no word on when the lawsuit will come to trial.

John Callaham
13 Comments
  • Makes sense. All of these companies use consumer data for one reason or another, and if users don't trust the companies with the data, they're less likely to use each company's services. 
  • Everytime I read chamber of Commerce I am reminded of Chamber of secret from Harry Potter!! Posted via the Windows Central App for Android
  • Anyone else find it odd that Fox News is supporting MS in this? Posted via my Nexus 5X
  • Good question. Usually it's the far right that's deeply opposed to peoples rights.
  • It's because if Microsoft were to win this lawsuit, they would be able to release info on all the requests they received and Fox News would benefit from all the countless ****** hours of programming they would gain going over it all biasedly.
  • And Delta Airlines, BP America the fuel company, and the US chamber of commerce
  • 'Muricaaaa
  • And there is no Facebook...in support of this.
  • "...and many others." That may or may not include Facebook.
  • Good to see competitors working together on this major problem. Respect
  • By their competition we will get a way to clarify the problem
  • Until we see a result this is all just PR for everyone involved, mind.
  • I have a strange feeling they already share this data, willingly or unwillingly.....