Google Secretly Handed ICE Data on Pro-Palestine Student Activist
In a shocking revelation, The Intercept has uncovered that Google secretly handed over sensitive data to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about Amandla Thomas-Johnson, a Cornell University graduate student who had been vocal in his opposition to Israel's war on Gaza. According to documents obtained by the investigative news organization, Google provided ICE with access to Thomas-Johnson's Gmail, Facebook, and Instagram accounts before notifying him or giving him an opportunity to challenge the subpoena.
The data handover was part of a larger effort by ICE to track down international students who had spoken out against Israel's military actions in Gaza. In May 2024, protesters blocked the entrance to Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California, to protest the company's Project Nimbus, which provides cloud computing services to the Israeli military.
Thomas-Johnson, a pro-Palestine activist, was among those targeted by ICE. "I was terrified when I found out that my data had been handed over to ICE," he said in an interview with The Intercept. "It felt like they were trying to silence me and intimidate me into staying quiet about the human rights abuses committed by Israel."
The documents obtained by The Intercept show that Google's compliance with the subpoena was swift, with the company providing ICE with access to Thomas-Johnson's online accounts within days of receiving the request.
This development has raised concerns among civil liberties groups and international organizations. "Google's actions are a stark reminder of the dangers of corporate complicity in state surveillance," said Amr Darrag, a spokesperson for the Arab American Institute. "We urge Google to come clean about its data-sharing practices and take immediate action to protect the rights of activists and journalists."
The incident has also sparked outrage among Palestinian solidarity groups worldwide. "This is not just an attack on Amandla Thomas-Johnson; it's an attack on all those who dare to speak truth to power," said Younes Arslan, a spokesperson for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Google has yet to comment on the allegations. However, in a statement, the company said that it "takes its obligations under the law seriously" and will continue to work with authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The incident highlights the growing concerns about corporate complicity in state surveillance and the need for greater transparency and accountability from tech giants like Google. As the world grapples with the implications of this development, one thing is clear: the right to free speech and assembly is under threat, and it's up to us to protect it.
Background
The incident is part of a larger trend of state surveillance and repression of pro-Palestine activists in the United States. In recent months, ICE has been cracking down on international students who have spoken out against Israel's war on Gaza, with many facing deportation or detention.
Additional Perspectives
"This is not just an issue about Google; it's an issue about the complicity of corporations in state surveillance and repression," said Dr. Noura Erakat, a human rights lawyer and professor at Georgetown University. "We need to hold these companies accountable for their actions and demand greater transparency and accountability."
Current Status
The incident is ongoing, with The Intercept continuing to investigate Google's data-sharing practices with ICE. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen what consequences will follow for Google and its executives.
Next Developments
In the coming days, expect further developments on this story as more information comes to light about Google's data-sharing practices with ICE. Stay tuned for updates from The Intercept and other international news organizations.
*Reporting by Theintercept.*
