Google has claimed that it is too expensive for it to compile and disclose salary records to the US government, following accusations that the tech giant systematically discriminates against women.

Officials for the company testified in court saying it would have to spend up to 500 hours and $100,000 to comply with the demands of the US department of Labour (DoL), a defence which the DoL rebuked, according to The Guardian.

“Google would be able to absorb the cost as easy as a dry kitchen sponge could absorb a single drop of water,” said DoL attorney Ian Eliasoph, noting Google’s nearly $28bn annual income.

Google was accused of ‘systemic compensation disparities’, during a hearing in April, after a preliminary inquiry by the DoL had found the California-based company underpays women across roles. This inquiry surrounded a 2015 snapshot of salaries.

In its defence, Google has said that it has closed its gender pay gap globally. It also argued that the data request from the DoL violates the privacy of its employees. However, by law, Google is required to comply with equal opportunity and allow investigators to review records.