The Texas attorney general is accusing Google of improperly withholding evidence sought in an investigation into whether the company has been abusing its dominance of internet search, Belfast Telegraph said.

Google's refusal to hand over more than 14,500 documents prompted Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott to seek a court order that would require the company to surrender more of the requested material.

The dispute hinges on whether the documents in question are legally protected communications between Google's lawyers and its employees.

Mr Abbott contends Google is trying to conceal documents that do not fall under the shield known as attorney-client privilege.

Google says it already has provided Mr Abbott with reams of documents and will continue to respond to inquiries about its business.