Google’s latest Transparency Report shows that the South African government has requested user data from the Internet giant on 18 occasions, and that Google has refused every request.
Google’s Transparency Report provides an overview of government requests for user data and for the removal of content from its platforms.
The company said it regularly receives requests from governments and courts around the world to hand over user data.
“In this report, we disclose the number of requests we receive from each government in six-month periods with certain limitations,” said Google.
From 2010, Google started to disclose the percentages of user data requests it complies with in whole or in part.
South African government’s failed attempts
Google said respect for the privacy and security of data which its users store with the company underpins its approach to producing data in response to legal requests.
“For us to produce any data, the request must be made in writing, signed by an authorised official of the requesting agency, and issued under an appropriate law.”
The latest Google report shows that the South African government made 18 Google user data request for 20 user accounts between July 2013 and December 2014.
The report showed that the SA government’s requests failed in every instance.
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