The issue focused on whether technology should be able to predict when someone will commit a crime. The software algorithms were designed to avoid computer hackers and cyber criminals.

But Google has since revealed that it had received software systems from IBM in 2011 that could collect data about internet users' websites visited, passwords used and devices they use.

After initially refusing to comment, Google then issued a statement saying: "We did not share any user data with IBM or IBM customers. IBM software was provided as part of an