In an email message to subscribers, Google supported a proposed update of California telecommunications law, a change that would restrict authorities’ ability to look at people’s email and other electronic information without a warrant.

“The California Electronic Communications Privacy Act (CalECPA) would update our privacy laws to protect all electronic communications and records from warrantless inspection by the state, regardless of format or age,” company representative Jess Homely wrote. “It would protect your mobile device and everything you save on it—passwords, photos, GPS data, contacts, text messages, emails, and more.”

The letter continues:

This is a positive moment: Technology has outpaced our privacy laws, which are way overdue for an update. The California legislature can do the right thing for Californians—with a little prodding from you and me. This fact sheet provides an overview of the key things CalECPA will achieve.

The letter ends with an appeal to join Google’s campaign to pressure legislators to pass CalECPA in an upcoming vote.

— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.