The search engine behemoth Google, the San Francisco Chronicle reported in late March 2008, has sold versions of its search engine technology to a wide array of U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies. Agencies such as the National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have purchased servers which use Google-supplied search technology to collect, process, and analyze information from contacts across the globe. Many of the agencies are also collaborating to create an "Intellipedia", or central database of information where spies from across agencies can share information. In 2006, a former C.I.A. agent claimed that the agency had helped Google get off the ground in its early years, and that Google employs at least one ex-intelligence officer in its Office of Research and Development. Google denied the accusations.

1. 2006: Google posted job opportunities for the head of a Federal Sales Team
2. Google also sells search technology to other government agencies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
3. No. of users of Intellipedia (March 2008): 37,000+
4. No. of entries on Intellipedia (March 2008): 35,000+
5. No. of pages on Intellipedia (March 2008): 200,000+
6. Intellipedia collection hosted by Director of National Intelligence, Mike McConnell

• Google Watch: Google Supports Social Network for Spies (March 31, 2008)

• Federal Computer Week: Briefing on the 'Intellipedians': The Social Software Movement within the U.S. Intelligence Community

• PrisonPlanet.com: Ex-Agent: CIA Seed Money Helped Launch Google (December 6, 2006)

• Matt Cutts Blog: Debunking: "Google in bed with CIA" (December 8, 2006)

• Google Blog Search: Google Spy

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