Judge orders Google to turn over data to FBI

SAN FRANCISCO— A federal judge has ordered Google Inc. to comply with FBI warrantless demands for customer data.

U.S. District Court Judge Susan Illston on Tuesday rejected Google’s argument that the so-called National Security Letters were unconstitutional and unnecessary. Google could appeal the decision. The company declined comment Friday.

The order obtained Friday omits any mention of Google and the proceedings have been closed to the public. The order references a separate case in New York federal court that the “petitioner” is involved in another lawsuit with the government over similar disclosures.

Public records show the government filing a lawsuit against Google in April after the company declined to cooperate with similar demands.

The FBI bars recipients of the letters from disclosing to anyone, including customers, that they have received the demands.