The White House says it's treating threats from hackers who attacked Sony Pictures as a serious national security matter.

The studio has decided not to release the controversial film 'The Interview' parodying North Korea's leader after cinemas planning to show the movie were threatened.

It's stopped short of blaming North Korea but the release of the film mocking Kim Jong-Un has been shelved. The FBI's involved in the ongoing investigation.

Spokesman Josh Earnest says the President's top national security officials have held daily talks about the issue:

Originally published 18/12/14