Microsoft Handed The Government Ecryption Keys For Customer Data

Microsoft Handed The Government Ecryption Keys For Customer Data

Microsoft Hands Over Encryption Keys to Government — Should You Worry? In a move that’s reigniting debates over digital privacy, Microsoft has confirmed it provided U.S. authorities with BitLocker encryption recovery keys tied to customer devices. The disclosure came after the FBI sought access to data on three laptops as part of a fraud investigation into Guam’s pandemic-era unemployment program. While Microsoft says it only complied under a valid legal order, privacy advocates warn this sets a dangerous precedent—one that could erode user trust and invite global abuse. Credit: Google For everyday users, the big question is simple: If Microsoft can hand over your encryption keys, how secure is your data really? The answer depends on where you store those keys—and whether you’re willing to trade convenience for control. What Happened—and Why It Matters Last year, federal investigators approached Microsoft with a warrant requesting access to encrypted data stored on three laptops. Rather th…