MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Microsoft sues DOJ for abusing law, violating customers’ privacy

Apr 14, 2016, 10:44 AM | Updated: 11:47 am

Microsoft is taking on the United States government in a lawsuit over the privacy of its customers.

The Seattle PI reports that Microsoft alleges the U.S. Department of Justice is abusing an outdated law called the Electronic Communications Privacy Act. Microsoft says the DOJ uses the law to obtain court orders for emails and other files involving its customers. But the law also prevents Microsoft from informing its customers that it has handed over the private information. It amounts to a violation of constitutional rights of free speech and protection against unreasonable searches, according to the tech giant.

Microsoft filed the lawsuit April 14 in a Seattle federal court.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest News

wa recall salmonella e. coli...

Jason Sutich

WA among 15 states hit by alfalfa sprout recall over E. coli, Salmonella

Alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts were recalled on Saturday due to E. coli and Salmonella contamination across 15 states, including Washington.

41 minutes ago

dead whale...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

Necropsy: Dead whale found in Commencement Bay was likely alive when ship hit it

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife said a fin whale found decaying in Commencement Bay was likely alive when it was hit by a ship.

1 hour ago

wa firefighters white supremacy flag...

MyNorthwest Staff

WA National Guard firefighters under investigation for posing with white supremacist flag during wildfires

A group of firefighters are currently under investigation for posing in a photo gathered around a white supremacist Rhodesian flag during the Little Giant fire.

2 hours ago

pioneer square restaurant close...

Jason Sutich

Pioneer Square Italian restaurant joins growing list of closures after World Cup, owner cited escalating costs

Luigi's Italian Eatery is slated to shutter next month after more than a decade of operating in Pioneer Square, becoming the latest of many businesses to close.

3 hours ago

redmond Kristina Liutova US Open...

Frank Lenzi

Redmond’s Kristina Liutova, 16, one win away from 2026 U.S. Open main draw

Redmond's Kristina Liutova is one win away from the main draw at the 2026 U.S. Open — and the 16-year-old got there by fighting through a dramatic finish Wednesday night.

4 hours ago

strike seattle teachers...

Frank Sumrall

Seattle teachers authorize strike, putting first day of school in jeopardy

Seattle teachers authorized a strike Wednesday night, putting the first day of school in jeopardy, after they voted overwhelmingly to approve a walkout if needed.

6 hours ago

Microsoft sues DOJ for abusing law, violating customers’ privacy