Judge In Brazil Orders Google To Turn Over Data

A judge in Brazil has ordered Google to release user information relating to an investigation of child pornography and hate speech.

Prosecutors in the country allege that users of Orkut, a networking site operated by Google, use the site to exchange illegal photographs and to post hate speech targeting blacks, Jews, and homosexuals.

Officials from Google said that although the company has been cooperating with investigative requests from Brazilian authorities, Google does not maintain information on users of Orkut. The judge in the case rejected that argument and ordered Google to turn over requested information or face fines of $23 million per day. “It is not relevant that the data are stored in the United States,” said Judge Jose Marcos Lunardelli, “since all the photographs and messages being investigated were published by Brazilians, through Internet connection in national territory.”

Houston Chronicle, 31 August 2006