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Slack just wiped out our data overnight

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Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#21

> If Slack has to comply with the export control law, they also need to comply with GDPR. Slack is an American company, GDPR is a EU law and OP is Iranian. That’s not how this works... Sure companies that operate within the EU have created tools to export your data automatically (they still have contact points to request the same data if you don’t have an account or were banned so can’t use the automated tools) so th…

My point is not a legal one, it's moral point. If they're complied with the GDPR it means they even have processes and systems to give users their data; but didn't had the decency to respect their customer and atleast close their account in a much better way. The export law says you are banned to serve Iranian companies (!), Fine, but it definitely doesn't force you to f * your users in Iran!

> Fine, but it definitely doesn't force you to f* your users in Iran!

Actually yes it does and Uncle Sam will come f* you up if you think otherwise.

Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#22
post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My point is not a legal one, it's moral point. If they're complied with the GDPR it means they even have processes and systems to give users their data; but didn't had the decency to respect their customer and atleast close their account in a much better way. The export law says you are banned to serve Iranian companies (!), Fine, but it definitely doesn't force you to f * your users in Iran!

> Fine, but it definitely doesn't force you to f* your users in Iran! Actually yes it does and Uncle Sam will come f* you up if you think otherwise.

No question that this is against current US expert laws, but do you have any examples of a US tech company getting in trouble from export laws?

Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#23
post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Op’s Post talks about how they are inside Iran. So in this case I still say it’s a valid account termination. If you are not accessing the service from Iran and you get dinged, contact support, supply supporting evidence and they will restore the account. This isn’t Slack picking on Iranians, this is “if slack don’t do this, they can get into a whole help of trouble”. I’m sure some people are going to get dinged by m…

I've never even used Slack in Iran and my name sounds Iranian. Wonder how they decided I'm using it from Iran then.

Replying again because I can not edit my orig post.

It seem that they have been banning based off IP address. They allow appeals via email.

Copy of a Tweet from Slack. > Hi. Our systems may have detected an account on our platform with an IP address originating from a designated embargoed country. Please send a note to feedback@slack.com so we can investigate further.

Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#24
post #13

I don't care whether the story is a wind-up or legit, there's a bigger principle. Want to maintain professionalism and integrity? Due process is important. You can't just slam the door closed in peoples' faces arbitrarily and go radio silent or word's going to get out that you're untrustworthy. Do right by people; don't be a dick. Otherwise: problems.

The bigger story is in this case US law and foreign policy has been hijacked by Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#25
post #22
post #21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Fine, but it definitely doesn't force you to f* your users in Iran! Actually yes it does and Uncle Sam will come f* you up if you think otherwise.

No question that this is against current US expert laws, but do you have any examples of a US tech company getting in trouble from export laws?

Nothing off the top of my head for "recent" cases from big tech companies (I'm sure there are smaller companies), but in 2015 Paypal got hit by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

As for export laws, in 2017 there was 31 individuals and businesses convicted resulting in $287,102,532 in criminal fines, $166,234,123 in forfeitures & 576 months of imprisonment And 52 administrative cases resulting $692,296,500 in administrative penalties.

https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/enforcement/oee/penalties

Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#26
post #12

> If Slack has to comply with the export control law, they also need to comply with GDPR. Slack is an American company, GDPR is a EU law and OP is Iranian. That’s not how this works... Sure companies that operate within the EU have created tools to export your data automatically (they still have contact points to request the same data if you don’t have an account or were banned so can’t use the automated tools) so th…

> Slack is an American company, GDPR is a EU law and OP is Iranian. That’s not how this works... Sure companies that operate within the EU have created tools to export your data automatically (they still have contact points to request the same data if you don’t have an account or were banned so can’t use the automated tools) so they opened those tools up to everyone not just those within the EU. But that doesn’t mean…

My point is not a legal one, it's a moral point. If they've complied with the GDPR it means they even have processes and systems to give users their data but didn't have the decency to respect their customer and at least close their account in a much better way. The export law says you are banned to serve Iranian companies (!), Fine, but it definitely doesn't force you to f* your users in Iran!

Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#27
post #11

Lots of people shaming companies this week, but all of them including this one just don't sound justified at all. I mean an Iranian company using American products and expecting EU protection?! None of it makes any sense.

My point is not a legal one, it's a moral point. If they've complied with the GDPR it means they even have processes and systems to give users their data but didn't have the decency to respect their customer and at least close their account in a much better way. The export law says you are banned to serve Iranian companies (!), Fine, but it definitely doesn't force you to f* your users in Iran! This is not a fight over being an Iranian or an American or any other country. It does not have anything to do with politics. I'm just a service user, I used free and paid services and I have the right to download "my data" before closing my account.

Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#28
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I mean an Iranian company using American products and expecting EU protection?! None of it makes any sense. It should be noted that Slack has an office in Dublin so it very likely has an Irish subsidiary (just like Apple, Google, and half of the tech industry so they can avoid taxes) and thus is subject to EU requirements. The GDPR applies to them, and since they have an EU company they (I believe) need to obey GDP…

Nope. It covers data for EU/EEA citizens and residents data held by companies “doing business” with people in such areas. An off the top of my head example. An Australian citizen who has never been to the EU can not use the GRPR against Microsoft just because MS have a office in the EU. Edit: My bad, I think the Australian would be under the Dublin office in the slack case. But the GDPR rules are focused on data of E…

My point is not a legal one, it's a moral point. If they've complied with the GDPR it means they even have processes and systems to give users their data but didn't have the decency to respect their customer and at least close their account in a much better way. The export law says you are banned to serve Iranian companies (!), Fine, but it definitely doesn't force you to f* your users in Iran!

Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#29
post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Slack is an American company, GDPR is a EU law and OP is Iranian. That’s not how this works... Sure companies that operate within the EU have created tools to export your data automatically (they still have contact points to request the same data if you don’t have an account or were banned so can’t use the automated tools) so they opened those tools up to everyone not just those within the EU. But that doesn’t mean…

My point is not a legal one, it's a moral point. If they've complied with the GDPR it means they even have processes and systems to give users their data but didn't have the decency to respect their customer and at least close their account in a much better way. The export law says you are banned to serve Iranian companies (!), Fine, but it definitely doesn't force you to f* your users in Iran!

[deleted]

Re: Slack just wiped out our data overnight

#30
post #13

I don't care whether the story is a wind-up or legit, there's a bigger principle. Want to maintain professionalism and integrity? Due process is important. You can't just slam the door closed in peoples' faces arbitrarily and go radio silent or word's going to get out that you're untrustworthy. Do right by people; don't be a dick. Otherwise: problems.

Professionalism? Iran sends money to suicide bombers and you're complaining that our side lacks professionalism? UH, OK. How about not breaking the law? Does that mean anything to you?
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