NY judge: US warrant can reach email in Ireland

NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has ruled against Microsoft Corp., saying U.S. law enforcement can force the company to turn over emails it stores in Ireland.

Loretta Preska, a federal judge in New York, ruled from the bench Thursday after hearing oral arguments.

The Redmond, Washington-based software company has said rulings forcing it to turn over emails threaten to rewrite the Constitution's protections against illegal search and seizure. It says it can also damage U.S. foreign relations. Its arguments were joined by four large technology companies including Apple Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc.

The judge agreed to stay the effect of her ruling to give the company time to appeal.

Preska said she agrees with a magistrate judge who signed a warrant in December.