Privacy law

The video, posted on Google Video in 2006 shortly before the firm acquired YouTube, showed a teenager with Down's Syndrome being bullied by four students in front of more than a dozen others.

Prosecutors argue that Google did not have adequate content filters or enough staff to monitor videos.

They also argue that Google broke Italian privacy law by uploading the content without the consent of all parties involved.

The video remained online for several months before Google received complaints and removed it. ugg boots

Mr Doig explained that Google Video was controlled in the US and that the video was removed as soon as it was brought to Google's attention.

Google's lawyers also point out that, in addition to withdrawing the video, the company provided information on who had posted it.

The four students were later expelled from the remainder of the academic year from their school in Turin, northern Italy.

The victim withdrew a complaint but the nearby city of Milan lodged a civil suit along with a Down's syndrome advocacy group, Vividown.

The executives face up to three years in jail if convicted.

A verdict is not expected until December. uggs ultimate short