Tech companies are sending activists hate mail and death threats from people they don't know

Activists and human rights experts say tech companies like Facebook and Google are betraying their own users by handing over information to police, which is then used to harass or silence them.<br><br>**The Verge** spoke to more than 20 activists who reported being targeted for harassment, and many claimed the police were using online information to intimidate and silence them.<br><br>The issue is particularly concerning for activists and marginalized groups who are reliant on social media to build and mobilize their movements.<br><br>Tech companies argue that they are complying with legal requirements and protecting public safety.<br><br>Experts argue that the root cause is not the tech companies, but societal and institutional problems that have normalized online harassment, racism, and bigotry.<br><br>Companies are continuing to mine data and sell it to third parties, making it difficult to regulate this practice and protect users.<br><br>Activists are advocating for stricter data protection and regulations on the tech industry, and for platforms to be more transparent about the data they collect and share.<br><br>Experts say that tech companies need to do more to protect users from harassment and ensure safety, rather than just handing over data to police.