If the linked article has a paywall, you can access this archived version instead: https://archive.ph/zyhax
The court orders show the government telling Google to provide the names, addresses, telephone numbers and user activity for all Google account users who accessed the YouTube videos between January 1 and January 8, 2023. The government also wanted the IP addresses of non-Google account owners who viewed the videos.
“This is the latest chapter in a disturbing trend where we see government agencies increasingly transforming search warrants into digital dragnets. It’s unconstitutional, it’s terrifying and it’s happening every day,” said Albert Fox-Cahn, executive director at the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project. “No one should fear a knock at the door from police simply because of what the YouTube algorithm serves up. I’m horrified that the courts are allowing this.” He said the orders were “just as chilling” as geofence warrants, where Google has been ordered to provide data on all users in the vicinity of a crime.
Looks like my avoidance of ads is paying off with newpipe and freetube replacing using a signed in YouTube use to watch videos and keep track of my subscriptions.
I don’t think newpipe will help with this since it still contacts the YouTube servers with your IP address.
Can still use with vpn which means nothing using the YouTube site with vpn. Having an account simplifies the whole process too not even having to rely on IP address.
That doesn’t necessarily mean your IP isn’t being exposed to YT.
If that is something you’re concerned about, you should read the documentation of whichever pipe/front ends and services you use.
I’m not concerned. And it just gives me less incentive to bother using YouTube through official means. I already find the unofficial methods to be superior with adblocking, sponsorblock, background play, and being able to hide shorts or trends from showing up.