It appears that two small encrypted communications companies, Lavabit and Silent Circle, tried to protect their users’ data from the US government, based on statements from company owners. (Lavabit was Snowden’s e-mail provider.) On Sept. 2, the New York Times reported that Lavabit’s owner was pressured by the FBI to hand over more information about its clients.
Why is this important? Government critics question whether any US-based computer servers would be protected from government surveillance – in this instance, in connection with the government's Snowden investigation.
