bantyFeb 3
Zack Whittaker

I wrote a story about how Homeland Security is using administrative subpoenas, which aren't subject to judicial oversight, to seek data from tech giants about Trump critics and anonymous accounts of ICE trackers. Features some really great reporting by Bloomberg & Washington Post.

https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/03/homeland-security-is-trying-to-force-tech-companies-to-hand-over-data-about-trump-critics/

Homeland Security is trying to force tech companies to hand over data about Trump critics | TechCrunch

The use of administrative subpoenas, which are not subject to judicial oversight, are used to demand a wealth of information from tech companies, including the owners of anonymous online accounts documenting ICE operations.

TechCrunch
Feb 3 at 6:45pmWeb
Show threadGrandTheftUrkelFeb 3

> Features some really great reporting by [...] Washington Post.

@zackwhittaker Haven't heard that phrase in a while 🤨

Show threadjust call me jack. 🐒Feb 3
@zackwhittaker oh God, what if they are able to snarf someone's camera roll? That's like top tier extortion.
Show threadleftofcentreFeb 3
@zackwhittaker yall circling the drain..
Show threadSu_GFeb 3
@zackwhittaker
Good to read, but what an unproductive waste of time & money, HS has too much money & not enough real work, on the face of it. Alas 😞
Show threadBruce Heerssen Feb 4

@zackwhittaker

Can we just start calling them administrative requests? Because without the backing of a court, that's what they are.

Show threadCyclesBecauseSummerIsComing😀Feb 4
@zackwhittaker is this handing over if data dependant on where the server with the relevant data is located? I e. Would such a request for an EU user be granted by Google, Amazon or Microsoft when the data was on a server in EU?
Show threadDany Feb 4

@CyclesSmiles @zackwhittaker I'm not Zack. But the physical location does not matter. Microsoft has formally admitted that they can't keep data hosted in EU form US authorities.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/emmawoollacott/2025/07/22/microsoft-cant-keep-eu-data-safe-from-us-authorities/

Microsoft Can't Keep EU Data Safe From US Authorities

Microsoft has admitted to a French senate hearing that it can't protect EU data from U.S. government snooping.

Forbes
Show threadZack WhittakerFeb 4
@Dany @CyclesSmiles this is accurate. a U.S. company can be compelled to turn over data wherever it is in the world, regardless of local laws. Microsoft told me this back in 2011!
Show threadCyclesBecauseSummerIsComing😀Feb 5
@zackwhittaker @Dany thank you both.
Show threadswggrkllr3rdFeb 4
@zackwhittaker The Orange One is revenge driven. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/richard-branson-trump_n_580a45b4e4b000d0b15658d8
Richard Branson Recalls 'Bizarre' Lunch With Revenge-Obsessed Trump

The Virgin founder is the latest billionaire to trash the Republican nominee.

HuffPost