Tech Firms Seek Permission to Release More Federal Data Inquiry Info

Government's behavior is breeding mistrust of companies

Google, Facebook and Yahoo filed court requests Monday to disclose more about US government's national security data requests, saying media reports on the matter have been misleading and harmful.

Yahoo filed its petition with the US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, saying the government can protect public safety "without precluding Internet companies from sharing the number of national security requests they may receive."

"Ultimately, withholding such information breeds mistrust and suspicion—both of the United States and of companies that must comply with government legal directives," Yahoo general counsel Ron Bell said in a blog post.

Facebook also filed a court request, saying more transparency is needed.