Google Confirms Launch Of FTC Antitrust Inquiry
WASHINGTON (AP) — Google is confirming that federal regulators have begun a formal antitrust review of its business practices.
In a blog post Friday, the Internet search giant said it received notification from the Federal Trade Commission of the review on Thursday.
Google said "it's still unclear exactly what the FTC's concerns are."
But the inquiry is expected to focus in large part on whether Google abuses its dominance of Internet search to extend its influence into other lucrative online markets, such as mapping, comparison shopping and travel. Rivals complain that Google manipulates its results to steer users to its own sites and services and bury links to competitors.
Google maintains that most accusations of anti-competitive behavior come not from users, who like its services, but from competitors unhappy with their search rankings.
(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
