> “the fact” and “probably” are mutually exclusive.
I don't see how; statements about probability can be factual and we have plenty of evidence that Google, Microsoft, and US telcos do; why should AV vendors be different?
As far as companies usually following the letter of the law... do they? What makes you so sure?
In natural science or in medicine you can estimate that probability (because control groups, multiple experiments, statistical methods, etc). In such context, a statement about probability can indeed be factual.
In general conversation or in legal context they can’t. If you have facts, there’s no “probably” because you know for sure. And if you don’t, it can be you belief, or your personal opinion, but not a fact.
> do they? What makes you so sure?
Over my career, I’ve worked in several US software companies. Lately, I’m working with various US companies as a contractor.
Multiple times a company put a lot of efforts and money to comply with the law: we redesigned our products, moved across states, trained employees to comply with various regulations, and so on. Having friends in the industry with similar observations, I conclude such things happen all the time.
Well, what I’ve seen with my own eyes during 17 years in the industry is much more believable than the BS about evil corporations that (mostly liberal) media wants me to believe.
That’s no evidence. That’s what makes me so sure.
Speaking of which, what makes you so sure plenty of US companies are breaking the law?
And, yes, there are certainly lots of compliance programs out there, but I'd argue those have more to do with avoiding enforcement action than necessarily adhering to the law. I'd guess Wells Fargo (Wachovia at the time) had a compliance department while they were laundering money for drug cartels and yet it still happened.
I find it eminently believable that many or even most US companies would comply with an illegal request from US intelligence agencies.
“the fact” and “probably” are mutually exclusive.
> plenty of examples of companies outright breaking the law
I know and that’s why I wrote “usually follow the letter of the law”. Majority of the companies follow the law, however.