Feds Block EFF Look at Google/DoJ Contacts

netbuzz writes "The Electronic Frontier Foundation wants to know all there is to know about contacts between Google and a Justice Department official involved in a highly charged 2006 government-snooping dispute that ensnared the search giant. That DoJ official, Jane Horvath, was subsequently hired by Google last year as senior privacy counsel. The DoJ has refused for six months to release public information about the matter being requested by EFF."

Comments

Re:It wasn't me!

[morgan_greywolf]

Google could clear things up pretty fast with a bit of disclosure. They're probably bound by law not to say anything... what we know about it was that the DoJ asked for search records, Google said "No, that information is proprietary and protected by trade secret." and the DoJ said "This is in the interests of National Security, protecting kiddies, etc. went before a judge, got a subpoena, and Google was forced to comply. But, they cut a deal with the DoJ that said they only had to release so much information. What Google gave up to get that concession is anyone's guess, but I'm guessing that Google was told to sign an NDA in regards to the DoJ investigation.

Re:5th Ammendment?

[PPH]

Ending wars with the budget isn't that simple. Bush could keep troops in the field without proper equipment like body armor or sufficient ammunition. It wouldnt really surprise me if he did just that.

The only way tightening the budget strings might be effective is if Congress cut off non-essential contracts to divert money to Iraq. Things like the FCS or some jet fighter or tanker programs. The contractors would pressure him to get out to save their programs.

Re:5th Ammendment?

[penix1]

The only way tightening the budget strings might be effective is if Congress cut off non-essential contracts to divert money to Iraq. Things like the FCS or some jet fighter or tanker programs. The contractors would pressure him to get out to save their programs.

You evidently weren't paying attention to both parties when DoD was trying to close non-essential bases in the BRAC hearings. Both parties argued that to close any of the proposed bases would be detrimental to not only the area they were in but the country as a whole.

The first politician that tries to cut funding for ANY military program will be castrated in the press as being an unpatriotic, job destroying, soldier bashing communist. I predict that no matter who wins Iraq will continue and all the waste, fraud and abuse that is Homeland Security will be right there with it. If you think corporate power corrupts Congress now, just try to cut back on the military industrial complex and increasingly the Homeland Security industrial complex and watch the bribes (oops..."Campaign Contributions") fly.