Big Tech and DHS: What happened with subpoenas and user data

Since late 2025, the Department of Homeland Security has used administrative subpoenas to seek user data from major technology firms. These subpoenas are not approved by a judge, and tech companies have treated them differently. Google and Meta publish transparency reports that show large numbers of government requests, but the reports do not separate judicial orders from administrative subpoenas. While some companies have notified users when a subpoena arrives, others have said they will only tell users when the law requires it or when a court order allows notice.

Civil liberties groups have taken legal action. The ACLU challenged several subpoenas that sought information about accounts tracking or criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and some of those subpoenas were later withdrawn. The Electronic Frontier Foundation and other advocates have sent public letters urging platforms to resist or require court review before releasing identifying information. Lawmakers and privacy experts have raised questions about oversight of administrative subpoenas, and calls for clearer company practices and congressional hearings have grown. The issue highlights a tension between law enforcement tools and users' rights online today.