Google says no "legitimate privacy" for Gmail users
 

Gmail users should not expect "legitimate privacy" when they send emails using the service, according to a legal brief representing Google.

In a brief filed in federal court, Google lawyers said users "cannot be surprised if their emails are processed by the recipient's email provider in the course of delivery".

"Indeed, a person has not legitimate expectation of privacy in information he voluntarily turns over to third parties," the brief said.

A highly redacted copy of the complaint is available at the Consumer Watchdog website here (PDF). It argues that, due to Google's silence, users do not consent to Google reading the content of email messages, as well as asserting Google is violating state and federal wiretap laws because the company combs through emails to help it with its targeted advertising.

Google's motion to dismiss is available here (PDF) and repeatedly references how the process is automated, and suggests users are aware.

Google also says if the way it access emails are changed, it could criminalise services like spam filtering and search.

http://news.techeye.net/security/goo...or-gmail-users