Google calls for new online data rules.

• Position: E-RECORDS - Brief article

Google is calling for new rules governing online data after seeing an increase in information requests from governments around the world.

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According to Nextgov, Google received an average of 31 daily requests for information in the first six months of 2011, which hasbrought attention to how governments gain access to personal information.

Nextgov reported the United States, for example, made 5,950 requests for information from 11,057 accounts at Google and YouTube--a 29% increase over the previous six months. Google says it complied with 93% of the 2011 requests.

For the first time, Google also released data on the number of times governments asked it to remove online content during that same time period. According to Google's Transparency Report, the requests for information were related to alleged defamation or violations of local laws prohibiting hate speech and pornography, Nextgov said. The report provides some context for each country...