>Curious: if anyone thinks it is bad for Google to give the police information, do you think it's bad for Google to have the information in the first place?
Yes. Having such comprehensive information stored in centralized databases on billions of users is extremely dangerous.
It's like when armies in WWI marched in straight rank and file against machine gun fire because they didn't yet know the capabilities of new technology. Though this is much more subtle.
I.e. the OPM hack => black mail on everyone with a US security clearance.
Anyone who can gain access to this information (via hacking, social engineering, or court order) potentially has total control over the identities of their targets.
Yes. Having such comprehensive information stored in centralized databases on billions of users is extremely dangerous.
It's like when armies in WWI marched in straight rank and file against machine gun fire because they didn't yet know the capabilities of new technology. Though this is much more subtle.
I.e. the OPM hack => black mail on everyone with a US security clearance.
Anyone who can gain access to this information (via hacking, social engineering, or court order) potentially has total control over the identities of their targets.