Google turns over hack details to the NSA

Google's systems were hacked in early January

Google has handed over the investigation of the recent intrusion into its systems to the National Security Agency (NSA).

The attacks took place in early January, reportedly in an attempt to infiltrate several Gmail accounts.

Google accused the Chinese government of organising the attacks in an effort to eavesdrop on human rights activists, and announced that it would no longer co-operate with the country's web search censorship policies. China has denied any involvement in the attacks.

Since Google disclosed the attacks, other companies, including Adobe, have come forward and admitted to being targeted in the attack, while others, including Microsoft, have defended their decision to do business in China.

Reports suggest that Google and the NSA are still hammering out details on the investigation, which will focus not on the attack itself but on ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Online rights groups have already taken notice, however. The Electronic Privacy Information Center has filed a Freedom of Information Act request seeking details of the agreement and how Google plans to secure its web services.