Google, in announcing Monday what it calls "Google Apps for Government, " said it has gained certification and accreditation under the terms of Federal InformationSecurity Management Act (FISMA) from the U.S. government.
"In every other area of sensitive information, " he added, "there is enormous deference to the security services and the police in terms of protecting sensitive information... and flexibility in that judges can determine whether certain evidence should be disclosed".
Reporter Richard Watson said that, in general terms, it was not out of the ordinary for the security service to approach people for information or even to act as covert sources.