Story perspectives

Government Data Requests Surge 770% Over Decade, Raises Concerns

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Proton report shows government requests for social media user data rose 770% over the decade.
Google, Apple, and Meta disclosed data from 3.5 million user accounts between late 2014 and early 2025.
Apple disclosures rose 927%, according to the Proton study.
Google said it encrypts user data and reviews government requests.
Elena Costantinescu of Proton warns the trend reshapes parenting and raises concerns about long-term data retention for children.

1 of 1

Story summary

A Proton report shows government requests for social media user data rose 770% over the decade.
Google, Apple, and Meta disclosed data from 3.5 million user accounts between late 2014 and early 2025.
Apple disclosures rose 927%, according to the Proton study.
Google said it encrypts user data and reviews government requests.
Elena Costantinescu of Proton warns the trend reshapes parenting and raises concerns about long-term data retention for children.