They are asking for a "random sampling" of 1 million internet addresses available through Google's search engine, and another random sampling of 1 million search queries submitted to Google over a one week period.
Google indicated in a statement provided to CNET News.com on Thursday that it will refuse compliance with the request "vigorously."
The Bush administration's demand, first reported by The San Jose Mercury News, is part of its attempts to defend the 1998 Child Online Protection Act, which is being challenged in court in Philadelphia by the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU says Web sites cannot realistically comply with COPA and that the law violates the right to freedom of speech mandated by the First Amendment.
The search engine companies are not parties to the suit, and this would likely work in favor of Google's refusal to provide the information.
