Google is facing a legal battle from British internet users complaining their privacy has been breached by the firm.

Twelve people, all of whom use Apple devices, are seeking damages from the internet giant after claiming that their browsing habits were secretly tracked.

The case is believed to be the first of its kind in Britain.

They say cookies – small tracking files – were installed by Google on the Apple computers and mobile devices of those using the Safari internet browser without their knowledge.

They thought the cookies would be blocked because of Google assurances in the time their devices were allegedly affected, from summer 2011 to spring 2012. – (PA)