[pliny]

Here's a thought: what if 'Yahoo gives FBI snapshots' is actually parallel construction, but Yahoo are not allowed (under PATRIOT or whatever) to admit the extent of their cooperation with three letter agencies (for instance, that they hand over everything they see without requests being made). Do they have to refuse to comply with the court?

[anonymousab]

There is likely leeway for them, or the government, to address the judge in private and get this all dismissed.

Or perhaps some immunity to any results.

[tobylane]

In that case I'm surprised the judges are permitted to ask this sort of question in public, it creates a warrant canary.