Google has begun to phase out support for Internet Explorer 6, the browser identified as the weak link in a "sophisticated and targeted" cyber attack on the search engine. The firm said, from 1st of March some of its services, such as Google Docs, would not work properly with the browser. It recommended individuals and firms to upgrade as soon as possible. Google had threatened to withdraw from the Chinese market following the attacks, which it said originated in China. Hackers used a flaw in Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser to target the Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists. Following Google's revelations, the French and German governments advised their citizens to switch to a different browser until the hole had been closed.