Google keeps the faith with the Church of Scientology

Google has begun posting complaints about sites included in its search engine on the new freedom of speech advocacy site, chillingeffects.org.

Google's move follows an infringement of copyright warning made by the Church of Scientology about Xenu.net.

The controversial religious organisation was described on the site as a "vicious and dangerous cult" which aims to take money from its members and "enslave them to further its wicked ends".

A spokesman from Google said its policy on the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act allowed it to balance the rights of copyright holders with its users' right need to know why certain sites are not included in the search engine.

A new page on Google provides users with instructions on the complaint procedure for offensive websites and also lists guidance for website operators wishing to oppose infringement claims with counter-notifications.

The link to Xenu.net, which was originally removed following the complaint, was restored to the search engine days after the infringement notice was sent following uproar from free speech activists.

The Church of Scientology boasts Hollywood actor John Travolta among its followers.