Google has released its latest Transparency Report, July to December 2012, which shows that ‘User data requests’ have increased by over 70% since 2009. It has not recorded content removals but those will be reported separately in due course. UK information is available here; more detailed US data can be found here. Meanwhile, an Open Letter to Skype from “Privacy Advocates, Internet Activists, Journalists & Other Organizations” calls on the VoIP service to release a regularly updated Transparency Report as well. Continue reading