Google defends its handling of user data after ICE subpoena (Update)

• A foreign PhD student studying in the US learned that Google had handed over his user data to the Department of Homeland Security while on a trip to Switzerland.
• A legal complaint was filed against Google, alleging the company handed over the data without notifying the user.
• The tech giant has responded, claiming that it informs users “when their accounts have been subpoenaed, unless under legal order not to or in an exceptional circumstance.”

Update: April 16, 2026 (2:35 PM ET): The Senior Staff Attorney at EFF, F. Mario Trujillo, has provided a statement to Android Authority, firing back at Google’s response.

Original article: April 16, 2026 (12:00 PM ET): Earlier this week, legal complaints were sent to the California and New York Attorneys General to investigate Google for deceptive trade practices. The issue relates to how the Mountain View-based firm handled a user’s data after authorities requested the information. Google has now provided a statement to Android Authority in response to accusations that it broke its own policies.