4 ms·

If you received an illegal subpoena from the government you wouldn’t have any costs associated with it at all? Just throw it in the trash, move on with your day

If you received an illegal subpoena from the government you wouldn’t have any costs associated with it at all? Just throw it in the trash, move on with your day, and surely you will never have to think about it again?

Scoundreller 3y ago
At least where I work, if a random user bypasses the helpdesk with an informal request, my manager will back me up if they complain about no-response because there’s a formal method to follow for a reason. It’s not an “illegal” subpoena, police can try and ask whatever they want, but I’m assuming there’s no penalties for ignoring. But I asked a question, maybe there are exceptions and you must respond anyway despite lack of warrant. While there could be reasons considered valid to respond to an informal request (some urgent life/safety matter), the police can and do lie, but are less likely to do so to a judge. Lived in a building once where management agreed to police installed warrantless spycams in some hallways and told management it was to investigate a car theft ring, but it was some guy (edit:) storing drugs and keeping to themself. Sadly, I don’t think there’s any kind of post-review of urgent informal requests to assess validity/accuracy of the request with consequences.
- fwip 3y ago
  When the subpoena comes from the government, it seems potentially short-sighted to assume that the same government is going to be as kind as your manager regarding a random user's complaint. Also, like the article explains, it is possibly illegal for them to send this warrantless subpoenas. Further, they are not simply "asking," as you describe - the text of the subpoena starts off "We command you," and ends with the explicit threat of legal action if twitter fails to comply.
- michaelmrose 3y ago
  Its not illegal to ask for voluntary cooperation. Its illegal to issue a subpoena under color of authority you don't actually have. It clearly stated this happened.
  - ClumsyPilot 3y ago
    > Its not illegal to ask for voluntary cooperation Cooperation obtained under false pretences may be fraud.
  - Qwertious 3y ago
    >Its not illegal to ask for voluntary cooperation. Privacy laws exist, with exceptions for illegal behavior. It may well be illegal to give data to cops unless you have user permission or a warrant (IANAL).
- gosub100 3y ago
  Are those walls bulletproof in the building? If that "keeps to himself" druggie lost his stash or got in a tight spot, you'd be clamoring about how the police didn't "see the signs" and act to stop the illegal activity before the stray bullet claimed innocent lives.
  - dotancohen 3y ago
    If lives are at stake, then what is the problem with getting a warrant? It's not the cameras that GP is complaining about, it is the lack of warrant.

Scoundreller 3y ago

At least where I work, if a random user bypasses the helpdesk with an informal request, my manager will back me up if they complain about no-response because there’s a formal method to follow for a reason. It’s not an “illegal” subpoena, police can try and ask whatever they want, but I’m assuming there’s no penalties for ignoring. But I asked a question, maybe there are exceptions and you must respond anyway despite lack of warrant. While there could be reasons considered valid to respond to an informal request (some urgent life/safety matter), the police can and do lie, but are less likely to do so to a judge. Lived in a building once where management agreed to police installed warrantless spycams in some hallways and told management it was to investigate a car theft ring, but it was some guy (edit:) storing drugs and keeping to themself. Sadly, I don’t think there’s any kind of post-review of urgent informal requests to assess validity/accuracy of the request with consequences.

fwip 3y ago
When the subpoena comes from the government, it seems potentially short-sighted to assume that the same government is going to be as kind as your manager regarding a random user's complaint. Also, like the article explains, it is possibly illegal for them to send this warrantless subpoenas. Further, they are not simply "asking," as you describe - the text of the subpoena starts off "We command you," and ends with the explicit threat of legal action if twitter fails to comply.
michaelmrose 3y ago
Its not illegal to ask for voluntary cooperation. Its illegal to issue a subpoena under color of authority you don't actually have. It clearly stated this happened.
- ClumsyPilot 3y ago
  > Its not illegal to ask for voluntary cooperation Cooperation obtained under false pretences may be fraud.
- Qwertious 3y ago
  >Its not illegal to ask for voluntary cooperation. Privacy laws exist, with exceptions for illegal behavior. It may well be illegal to give data to cops unless you have user permission or a warrant (IANAL).
gosub100 3y ago
Are those walls bulletproof in the building? If that "keeps to himself" druggie lost his stash or got in a tight spot, you'd be clamoring about how the police didn't "see the signs" and act to stop the illegal activity before the stray bullet claimed innocent lives.
- dotancohen 3y ago
  If lives are at stake, then what is the problem with getting a warrant? It's not the cameras that GP is complaining about, it is the lack of warrant.