Google is reportedly refusing to speak to CNETNews reporters for one year following an article that featured personal details about Eric Schmidt, Google's chief executive.

According to the New York Times, Elinor Mills' article on the tech news site explored concerns about how Google and other web-based companies could potentially compile detailed profiles of users through search histories, web-based email accounts and desktop search tools.

Ms Mills used Google's own search tool to illustrate how easy it is to find personal details. Her search revealed details including Mr Schmidt's home town, his wife's name and the value of his shares in Google.

Google's PR director David Krane called CNET to complain about the details included in the story, and later called back to say that Google would not speak to any CNET reporter until July 2006.

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