Microsoft Warns Court of Global Free-for-all if Forced to Hand Over Emails
Posted by: Timothy Weaver on 09/14/2015 09:37 AM
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Microsoft has warned a US appeals court that a “global free-for-all” will ensue if they are forced to hand over emails stored on a server in Ireland.
What the court fight is about is whether or not Microsoft should hand over emails stored on an Irish server that belong to someone living in Dublin.
US prosecutors chasing a drugs investigation sought a search warrant in the US to access the files, but Microsoft thinks the action should be taking place on Ireland's soil, where the information is stored.
Microsoft's lawyer Joshua Rosenkranz told the New York court that if forced, it would set a precedent that might allow other countries to also force compliance. Calling it a “matter of national sovereignty,” Rosenkranz added: “We would go crazy if China did it to us.”
It's not yet known when the appeals court will hand down its decision. The battle dates back to 2013, but only came to light in May 2014 when a gag order on the case was lifted.
Source: The Register
What the court fight is about is whether or not Microsoft should hand over emails stored on an Irish server that belong to someone living in Dublin.US prosecutors chasing a drugs investigation sought a search warrant in the US to access the files, but Microsoft thinks the action should be taking place on Ireland's soil, where the information is stored.
Microsoft's lawyer Joshua Rosenkranz told the New York court that if forced, it would set a precedent that might allow other countries to also force compliance. Calling it a “matter of national sovereignty,” Rosenkranz added: “We would go crazy if China did it to us.”
It's not yet known when the appeals court will hand down its decision. The battle dates back to 2013, but only came to light in May 2014 when a gag order on the case was lifted.
Source: The Register
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