What does google do with the data it scans from our emails?

[lxskllr]

That isn't true at all, law enforcement can't demand the information without a warrant, but Google is free to give the information to them without one.

They don't need a warrant for something like email, only a subpoena, and that's much less stringent than a warrant. If it's "national security" related, the standard gets weaker still, and you won't even be notified someone's digging through your data.

 

[Grooveriding]

It's a question of threat. I use Yandex mail(amongst others). Russia certainly has access to it, but Putin isn't gonna come over and kick my ass. They also aren't especially friendly to the US, so I consider it "safer" than Google et al. Russia has nothing over me, and it's unlikely I'll ever visit.

Exactly. I use a Swiss based email service for my primary email. They have a focus on privacy and the Swiss governments track record is one where I'm more comfortable having my data there.

The US is last on the list of places I'd want my private emails to be handled. Their track record on illegal surveillance dragnets and the paranoia that bred it is reason enough.

20 years ago you were wearing a tinfoil hat if you believed big brother was watching. Now it's 'no big deal' and you're wearing the tinfoil hat if you think the massive surveillance is a bad thing. After the next loss of rights take place the tinfoil hat goalposts will be moved once again.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

That isn't true at all, law enforcement can't demand the information without a warrant, but Google is free to give the information to them without one.

Google in fact does do this with some crimes such as child pornography.

You could replace "Google" with "every company ever" and it will still be just as accurate.