As the French government continues its investigation into the Charlie Hebdo case, more information is being leaked about how it got hold of the other suspects allegedly involved in the terror attacks. In the framework of researchs, Microsoft was asked to deliver the data of two Outlook accounts, which were allegedly used by the attackers.
It took just 45 minutes to give Microsoft access to the FBI on these two Outlook accounts, as Microsoft lawyer Brad Smith said in statements he made about Charlie Hebdo in Brussels.
It is a proof that Companies and governments can work together seamlessly, he added, noting that there is no problem disclosing details from a user account absent a valid court order.
According to a LA Times publication, Smith unveiled Microsoft's collaboration with the French government for Charlie Hebdo in Brussels, stressing that if security agencies want more control over corporate services, since their requests are covered by laws disclosure of information is mandatory.
Recall that in 2014, Microsoft was repeatedly accused of cooperating with the NSA. Smith reiterated during his speech that everything should be clearly covered by laws, especially for user data disclosure requests, without affecting the public better safety and protecting privacy in any way.
"If the government wants to steer the line between security and privacy they should do it by changing the law instead of asking us to do it. Democratic societies, not private ones businesses, they will have to decide on the balances to be struck between public values such as public safety and privacy.”
