Google has published a report revealing how many information requests it received from governments in the first half of 2017. Worldwide, the number of account information requests rose by 14% compared to the previous 6 months. Some countries saw much greater increases in their requests for user information, however, including the US, Brazil, Spain and South Korea. In the US, the number of account information requests grew by 24% compared to the previous 6 months. The kinds of information requested included names, IP addresses and dialled phone numbers, as well as permission to search through and obtain any information necessary to prevent or investigate a crime.
