I'm not sure if it's still the case, but there used be ample variability of compliance in Google's transparency report across the globe. Outsiders assumed that

I'm not sure if it's still the case, but there used be ample variability of compliance in Google's transparency report across the globe. Outsiders assumed that in the US the percentage was higher because Google was in bed with the FBI and co. In reality, the explanation was even simpler: in the US, authorities either didn't bother asking, as you said, or put the effort in crafting a proper request. Elsewhere, they assumed they could obtain anything (or remove anything about a local figure), just because they had a badge. In some cases, the requests were so ridiculous that they had to be educated about how the law worked in their own country. Over time, compliance increased in those countries as well.