politics
February 5, 2026
Homeland Security is trying to force tech companies to hand over data about Trump critics
The use of administrative subpoenas, which are not subject to judicial oversight, are used to demand a wealth of information from tech companies, including the owners of anonymous online accounts documenting ICE operations.
TL;DR
- Homeland Security has used administrative subpoenas to request user information from tech companies regarding critics of the Trump administration and anonymous accounts documenting ICE activity.
- Administrative subpoenas allow federal agencies to seek user information without a judge's oversight, unlike judicial subpoenas.
- These subpoenas can demand user login times, locations, devices, and other identifiable information, but not the content of communications.
- At least four instances have been reported where Homeland Security sought to unmask Instagram accounts critical of the government, with subpoenas later withdrawn.
- In one case, Homeland Security sought information from Google about a retiree who sent a critical email to a DHS attorney, leading to a visit from federal agents.
- Tech companies' transparency reports often do not distinguish between judicial and administrative subpoenas.
- Some companies, like Signal, state they cannot provide user data because they do not collect it.
- The reliance on U.S. tech giants for such information is highlighted amidst growing concerns in Europe about data privacy and U.S. tech companies' ties to the Trump administration.
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