{"aiVersion":"1","content":{"id":"cmm2rfind0004g451ti8qi6g6","slug":"big-tech-and-dhs-what-happened-with-subpoenas-and--20260226","title":"Big Tech and DHS: What happened with subpoenas and user data","level":"MEDIUM","publishedAt":"2026-02-26T01:03:47.352Z"},"topic":{"slug":"big-tech-and-dhs-what-happened-with-subpoenas-and--20260226","category":"technology"},"article":{"paragraphs":["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about accounts tracking or criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and some of those subpoenas were later withdrawn.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."],"wordCount":181,"readTime":2},"vocabulary":[{"word":"administrative","example":"An administrative request came from the agency.","phonetic":"/ədˈmɪnɪstreɪtɪv/","definition":"Related to management or official procedures by an agency."},{"word":"transparency","example":"The company published a transparency report.","phonetic":"/trænsˈpærənsi/","definition":"Clear and open sharing of information."},{"word":"challenge","example":"The group filed a challenge in court.","phonetic":"/ˈtʃælɪndʒ/","definition":"To legally question or oppose something."},{"word":"comply","example":"The firm will comply with a lawful order.","phonetic":"/kəmˈplaɪ/","definition":"To follow a rule or legal request."}],"quiz":[{"answer":"Since late 2025","question":"Since when has DHS used administrative subpoenas?"},{"answer":"Google and Meta","question":"Which companies publish transparency reports that do not separate administrative subpoenas from court orders?"},{"answer":"The ACLU","question":"Which organization challenged several subpoenas?"}],"discussion":[{"question":"Do you trust companies to tell you if the government asks for your data?"},{"question":"Have you ever read a transparency report from an app you use? What did you learn?"},{"question":"What worries you more: safety or privacy when platforms share data?"},{"question":"Would you try to challenge a legal request for your account data if you could?"}]}