Cyber Monday Sale! 50% Off All Access

Dropbox Addresses NSA Surveillance Fears in New Privacy Policy The online storage company has a new set of data request principles to guide its decision making when responding to government requests.

By Benjamin Kabin

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

dropbox.com

Dropbox has updated its privacy policy to address privacy concerns about the National Security Agency's requests for user data.

In a new section, the company pledges to abide by its Government Request Principles when "receiving, scrutinizing and responding to government requests for our users' data."

"Stewardship of your data is critical to us and a responsibility that we embrace. We believe that our users' data should receive the same legal protections regardless of whether it's stored on our services or on their home computer's hard drive," the new policy says.

Related: The NSA Is Using Angry Birds to Spy on You

Dropbox says it promises to fight blanket data requests and protect its systems from intrusive measures like government-installed backdoors.

The company also believes technology companies should be able to report specific numbers in terms of the government data requests they receive and that such requests should be limited to specific people and investigations. At present that isn't the case, but Dropbox, along with other outspoken tech companies, says it will work toward to change those laws.

Earlier this month, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Yahoo and LinkedIn were able to disclose some details about the requests they received from the government. The disclosures, however, are still fairly vague.

Dropbox's new privacy policy goes into effect on March 24.

Related: Which Age Group Is Most Likely to Be Hacked?

Benjamin Kabin

Journalist

Benjamin Kabin is a Brooklyn-based technology journalist who specializes in security, startups, venture capital and social media.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

There Are Certain Words That Will Break ChatGPT. I Tried Them — Here's What Happened.

ChatGPT appears to be unable to process requests that contain a few notable names.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business Plans

'Irrelevance Is Worse Than Death': How This CEO's Competitive Drive Resulted in a Global Powerhouse AI Startup

From a sports-centric childhood in Boston to leading the global AI startup SuperNormal, Colin Treseler's journey is a masterclass in persistence, adaptability, and the art of using time wisely.

Thought Leaders

Why Your Business Should Simplify and Consolidate Its Tech Stack

Cut the clutter and streamline your tech — this is the new catchphrase for security, productivity and long-term IT success.

Business Process

5 Powerful Ways to Streamline Your Work Processes with AI

The correct way to combine AI, automation, and human talent in the modern world by adopting a hybrid model. Learn the key steps businesses can take to successfully streamline operations and enhance performance using advanced technology.