Google challenges U.S. gag order, citing First Amendment
Again with the 'carefully worded denials' - the denials were similar because they were accused of the same thing, which is allowing "direct access".<p>The most worrisome and misunderstood part of these reports is the "direct access" bit: can the government arbitrarily query company servers? their denials address that, they clearly say that is not the case, instead they sftp the data after being served with court orders or warrants and yes also the secretive FISA requests.<p>So by revealing the number of FISA requests they receive and their scope they hope to clear this "direct access" mess. As even FISA orders are much more acceptable than wholesale access.<p>As for the development being reported here: I think it has merit seeing how this clearly falls under the first amendment, but I'd like a lawyer to chip in.<p>[edit: clarity]