Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to safeguard user privacy against government access without a warrant. The company argues that platforms should not be forced to hand over private data based on vague or unwarranted requests.
The case, stemming from a lawsuit by Coinbase user James Harper, alleges that the IRS unlawfully obtained user data in a tax fraud investigation. If Harper wins, it could set a precedent, preventing government agencies from accessing data on X without probable cause or a court-approved warrant.
X’s intervention in this case highlights concerns about government overreach into private accounts on social media and financial platforms. A source close to the company expressed that allowing government access without a warrant could limit users’ freedom of expression.
X’s involvement in the case is significant, especially considering the Trump administration’s use of social media data for vetting immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security recently proposed expanding social media checks for visa and residency applicants.
Musk’s stance on government censorship has been aggressive since acquiring X in 2022. He has opposed censorship efforts in countries like Brazil, India, and Australia, calling for a more open social media environment.
X’s brief emphasizes that, under current legal doctrine, government agencies can access user data shared with third parties even without a warrant. The company warned that this could lead to government surveillance of users without their consent.
X, which is expanding into financial services with plans for a digital wallet, is also concerned about how the case could affect future privacy on its platform. The legal filing was made by the Pacific Legal Foundation, known for defending civil liberties.
The outcome of this case could set new standards for how the U.S. government accesses private data on platforms like X and cryptocurrency exchanges, with lasting implications for user privacy
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