Comcast more eager to turn over your emails than other ISPs

In January, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Facebook told the media that they will require a search warrant before making your private email available to law enforcement. In fact, these companies are granting more privacy protection than does the 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), using instead the Fourth Amendment as a standard.

Recently, though, Politico's Morning Tech decided to ask some major carriers about their policies. Verizon claims that it adheres to the same procedures as do the Internet companies: get a warrant! And AT&T's email is managed by Yahoo, which applies the same standard they use for their own email.

However, Comcast told Morning Tech that they were willing to turn over messages older than 180 days with less protection. They'd like a warrant, but if not, they'll surrender your email on the basis "...a subpoena or court order, with required prior notice from the government to the customer."

The solution? If you're a Comcast subscriber, complain to the company... or move your business to a provider who takes your privacy more seriously.

Facebook, email providers say they require warrants for private data seizures (The Hill, Feb. 25, 2013)

Verizon, Comcast, AT&T: Where they stand on email privacy (Politico Morning Tech, Jan. 25, 2013)