Plain Thinking Supplement 07 · July 14, 2026

Free supplement

When a Hash Match Counts as a Private Search

United States v. Brillhart

A source-backed account of Google's exact-file matching process, the Eleventh Circuit's decision, the resulting 3–3 circuit split, and research on repeated review.

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What it covers

  • How Google's exact-file hash-matching protocol worked in Brillhart.
  • What the Eleventh Circuit decided—and what the decision did not reach.
  • The 3–3 federal circuit split over warrantless review of a matched file.
  • Research on repeated review of disturbing material and occupational exposure.
  • The case authorities and occupational studies behind the report.

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