As an en IBM employee I do find this statement from Robert C. Weber, IBM Senior Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, and General Counsel, extremely encouraging. Thank you for the clear Message:
Given the global discussion about data security and privacy, we wanted to communicate our view on these issues.
At the outset, we think it is important for IBM to clearly state some simple facts:
- IBM has not provided client data to the National Security Agency NSA or any other government agency under the program known as PRISM.
- IBM has not provided client data to the NSA or any other government agency under any surveillance program involving the bulk collection of content or metadata.
- IBM has not provided client data stored outside the United States to the U.S. government under a national security order, such as a FISA order or a National Security Letter.
- IBM does not put “backdoors” in its products for the NSA or any other government agency, nor does IBM provide software source code or encryption keys to the NSA or any other government agency for the purpose of accessing client data.
- IBM has and will continue to comply with the local laws, including data privacy laws, in all countries in which it operates.
…
Our Commitment to Clients and Recommendations to Governments
We understand that clients are concerned about the security and privacy of their data. Therefore, we want to offer the following assurances:
- In general, if a government wants access to data held by IBM on behalf of an enterprise client, we would expect that government to deal directly with that client. …
- If the U.S. government instead were to serve a national security order on IBM to obtain data stored outside the United States from an enterprise client, IBM will take appropriate steps to challenge the order through judicial action or other means. …
Conclusion
Technology often challenges us as a society. This is one instance in which both business and government must respond. Data is the next great natural resource, with the potential to improve lives and transform institutions for the better. However, establishing and maintaining the public’s trust in new technologies is essential.
via A Letter to Our Clients About Government Access to Data A Smarter Planet Blog.
Filed under: English Tagged: Data Privacy, IBM, NSA, Prism
