Google ruling cannot come at expense of internet users security

The Lib Dems have slammed a US Court ruling that Google must divulge the viewing habits of every user who has ever watched any video on YouTube.

The ruling comes as part of Google's legal battle with Viacom over allegations of copyright infringement. Digital rights group the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) called the ruling a "set-back to privacy rights".

Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster, commented:

"This ruling sets a very worrying precedent for the future of the internet, with internet users' personal details being passed around different corporations without consent. Action needs to be taken against piracy but this cannot be at the expense of internet users' security.

"I am also deeply concerned about the implications this ruling has on UK consumers. If Google hands over information about its UK customers, it could contravene our data protection laws."