By Smartencyclopedia Staff

Senator Ron Wyden, a senior member of the US Senate Intelligence Committee, has written to Attorney General Merrick Garland, urging the Department of Justice (DoJ) to allow Apple and Google to publicly disclose details of secret government data requests related to push notifications. The senator revealed that these requests have been concealed under DoJ rules, preventing transparency about the extent of government surveillance on users.

Push notifications are messages delivered by apps to users through Apple and Google platforms, ensuring timely and efficient communication. However, these tech giants can be compelled by foreign governments to disclose information related to push notifications, providing insights into how users interact with specific apps.

According to Wyden, the data collected by Apple and Google includes metadata, detailing which app received a notification, the timing of the notification, and the associated Apple or Google account. In some instances, unencrypted content may also be obtained, ranging from backend directives for the app to the actual text displayed in a user’s notification.

Unlike other data access requests made by governments to US tech companies, demands for push notification information have remained undisclosed, keeping potential victims of state surveillance unaware. Wyden advocates for transparency in this matter, suggesting that Apple and Google should be allowed to reveal whether they have been compelled to facilitate such surveillance practices. He proposes the publication of aggregate statistics about the number of demands received and unless temporarily restricted by a court, notification to specific customers about data requests.

Wyden concludes his letter by requesting the DoJ to repeal or modify policies that hinder transparency in disclosing government data requests, emphasizing the importance of keeping the public informed about the extent of surveillance practices affecting user privacy.