Legal Requests
How we handle subpoenas, warrants, and other legal orders.
Courts and lawyers can ask for member data. We follow the law, but we also push back when a request is too broad. Here is the full process.
Civil Subpoenas
Lawyers in private cases can subpoena us. We require the subpoena to be served on our agent. We tell the affected member so they have a chance to file an objection.
Government Orders
Police, regulators, and other government bodies follow the law enforcement guidelines. We share only what the order requires.
Pushing Back
We push back on requests that are too broad, lack jurisdiction, or seem designed to silence members. We have won several public cases that set a high bar.
Quick tips
- •Tell us about a subpoena right away if you are the target.
- •Hire a lawyer for serious cases.
- •Read our transparency report.
- •Use Private Mode if your reviews could draw legal attention.
Related articles
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Law Enforcement Guidelines
How law enforcement can request data from RateAds.
Read moreLegal Transparency
Our open commitment to sharing how legal requests are handled.
Read moreTransparency Report
Twice-a-year numbers on requests, actions, and outcomes.
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