Google phases out support for IE6

Google has begun to phase out support for Internet Explorer 6, the browser identified as the weak link in a cyber attack on the search engine.

The firm said from March 1, some of its services, such as Google Docs, would not work ”properly” with the browser.

It recommended individuals and firms upgrade ”as soon as possible”.

Google, the BBC learnt threatened to withdraw from the Chinese market following the ”sophisticated and targeted” attacks, which it said originated in China.

Hackers used a flaw in Microsoft‘s Internet Explorer browser to target the Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists.

Following Google‘s revelations, the French and German governments advised their citizens to switch to a different browser until the hole had been closed.

Microsoft reacted by quickly updating the browser, nearly three weeks ahead of its regular security update.