What happens if a law enforcement or other government authority requests information from Quora about a user?
Quora requires governmental entities to provide it with a legally valid request—such as a subpoena, court order, or warrant—before providing private user information. If it receives such process, it may be required by law to provide certain information about a user to a law enforcement or other authorized government authority if Quora is properly served with a valid request. For more details about this process, see https://qr.ae/TWYNPI.
In rare circumstances, Quora may also disclose user information to law enforcement if there is reason to believe that an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury exists.
Will Quora notify a user if law enforcement or some other government authority requests user information from Quora?
Yes, Quora will endeavor to provide the affected user with notice about the request via email, assuming it is not prohibited from doing so by law or if an emergency exists. Quora generally provides notice 14 days before production. This will allow time for the affected user to provide Quora with a valid motion to prevent production prior to the due date.
Are there circumstances in which Quora will not notify the user?
If Quora receives a valid non-disclosure order not to disclose the request, or if it is prohibited from doing so by law, Quora will not be able to inform the affected user prior to production of the user information. This only applies to a valid non-disclosure order or if relevant law prohibits disclosure, not merely a request not to disclose.
The list of exceptions to user notification of governmental requests includes:
(1) if it is an emergency involving risk of danger of death or serious physical injury to any person;
(2) if Quora is served with a valid court order that precludes notification; or
(3) if notification is prohibited by law (e.g., violates secrecy rules for subpoenas).