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Google won't share encryption keys with Indian sleuths

Juha-Matti Laurio [PersonRank 10]

Wednesday, December 22, 2010
14 years ago6,569 views

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/Google-wont-share-encryption-keys-with-Indian-sleuths/articleshow/7109074.cms

George R [PersonRank 10]

14 years ago #

The article seems a bit confusing. It seems to suggest that Google has not been asked to divulge gmail encryption keys.

What gmail keys are they talking about? I suspect they actually mean decryption keys. Are they talking about SSL session keys? Do Google's gmail servers store only encrypted copies of messages?

Can anyone shed some light on either that story or Google encryption issues? Has Google been asked by anyone to divulge any encryption or decryption keys or provide clear text versions of encrypted or private data?

Here are some excerpts from that story:

"Google India products chief Vinay Goel said even if the Indian government requested, it would be impossible to offer real-time access since the Gmail service is governed by US laws. 'When users entrust their data with us, we are expected to protect it, which is why, user privacy is very important for Google,' he said."

"The Union home ministry or telecom ministry has not asked Google to share the encryption keys for Gmail, but even if the USbased internet search engine giant received such a request, it will be impossible to offer real-time access to Gmail communication, Goel said."

"'But we are not advocating non-compliance and are definitely open to offering the Indian government access to encrypted Gmail communication in the event of a large-scale risk to human life and property,' he said."

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