Microsoft Urges Limits on Secret LinkedIn Data Subpoenas as House Passed Reforms on Aug. 31
Updated
Updated · Computerworld · Sep 16
Microsoft Urges Limits on Secret LinkedIn Data Subpoenas as House Passed Reforms on Aug. 31
3 articles · Updated · Computerworld · Sep 16
Summary
Jon Palmer said Microsoft is asking federal courts to curb broad U.S. subpoenas for LinkedIn user data and make secrecy orders the exception rather than the rule.
Microsoft argues investigators should seek only relevant information and justify gag orders with specific evidence, saying users deserve notice and adversarial review unless covert action is truly necessary.
An Aug. 31 House bill would tighten limits on secret surveillance and strengthen notice protections for data requests to tech providers; Palmer urged the Senate to act quickly.
The push lands as LinkedIn faces its own privacy scrutiny: a federal judge this month dismissed a user privacy case but allowed plaintiffs 14 days to refile.
Privacy experts said Microsoft can be right about hidden surveillance while still facing credibility questions over LinkedIn’s own data practices, underscoring privacy’s broader role in enterprise data stewardship.