Google, LinkedIn online data request from South Africa

Google’s transparency report shows that in 2012 there were only six court order requests from South Africa, and none of them were related to government security or any other online spying activity. LinkedIn had no requests from South Africa.

Google’s transparency report, which shines some light on the scale and scope of government requests for censorship and data around the globe, shows that Google received 6 requests in 2012 from South Africa – all related to defamation and all using court orders.

The report further revealed that prior to 2012, Google did not receive any request from South Africa.

Four of the requests last year related to alleged defamatory content listed in Google’s web search, and two requests were related to content on the company’s Blogger platform.

The report showed that 17 search items were requested to be removed, and 2 items from the Blogger blogging platform.

Google stated that it complied with 4 of the 6 requests from South Africa – 100% requests from January 2012 to June 2012, and 33% of requests from July 2012 to December 2012.

According to the transparency report there were no South African requests related to Government criticism and national security. There were also no requests from the SA police.

Google requests from South Africa

LinkedIn, like Google, also has a transparent system regarding requests made to the popular social network.

LinkedIn spokesperson Ngaire Moyes said that they have not received any government data requests from South Africa related their platform.

Facebook was asked for information regarding data requests from South Africa, but the company did not respond by the time of publication.

More on Internet spying

Google wants to reveal more about closely guarded gov demands

Online spying: SA far worse than US

Government spyware servers in South Africa: Telkom, Govt mum

Spyware servers in South Africa: the plot thickens