All these denials cover one specific thing that they're not doing, not the spirit of all things that could be done. Mirroring all traffic to an additional destination isn't providing a back door, but it accomplishes much of the same function.

Does 'backdoor' necessarily mean 'pull' as opposed to 'push?'

Ask a lawyer; I'm sure they did.

Google provides portals for law enforcement to search their data given the proper clearance/warrants. This is what the Chinese were rumored to hack into with the Aurora stuff.

These communications people are playing word games. These companies turn over and give access to whatever they are legally required to.

Which Aurora stuff? The Aurora Co shootings? Or the aurora spy plane?

Sending a copy of data to someone is not the same as creating a back door.

Google specifically says "no back doors". Why use a back door when the front door works... try before you pry.

"Front door" is court orders and warrants: these are far less problematic.

"Door" implies something that is designed to occasionally be in some sort of "closed" state.

Thy also have a motto of "Do no evil". Just because they say something doesn't mean it's true.

And what he described wasn't a back door.

But doesn't mention the front door.