Appeals court rules Mississippi can resume Google inquiry

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — An appeals court has ruled that Mississippi's attorney general can resume an investigation of Google.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday overturned a district judge who had sided with Google, originally ruling that the unit of Alphabet Inc. didn't have to answer a subpoena by Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood.

The appeals court is also dissolving an injunction issued by the judge that had barred Hood from bringing any lawsuits against the Mountain View, California-based company.

However, the appeals panel says Google can still continue its federal lawsuit against Hood.

Hood says he's trying to determine whether Google helps criminals by helping people find pirated music or illegal drugs. The Internet giant says it's not liable for what others do online.