Google FTC Settlement: Google, FTC Probe Update

Google FTC Settlement: According to a recent report on Bloomberg.com, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is close to ending a nearly two year probe of its business practices by the FTC. Best yet for the search giant, the company appears to be escaping the probe without any severe punishment.

The Federal Trade Commission has been hot on Google’s heels for some of its past practices. Here is a brief snippet from the Bloomberg article that sums up the company’s past trouble as well as what they plan to do in the near future:

Google, which has been under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission, is preparing a letter promising not to copy content from rival websites without permission and to allow advertisers to compare data from ad campaigns with their performance on other Internet search engines, one of the people said yesterday. That will bring the antitrust investigation to a close without a lawsuit or settlement, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the matter isn’t public.

In an email to Bloomberg, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) spokesperson Adam Kovacevich added, “We continue to work cooperatively with the Federal Trade Commission and are happy to answer any questions they may have.”

FairSearch.org, an organization with a focus on anticompetitive behavior, has its own take on this case.

In an e-mail statement to Bloomberg, they stated:

“Enforcement authorities should not allow Google to retain an unfair advantage in the market gained through years of anti-competitive behavior. If the FTC fails to take meaningful action after a nearly two- year investigation, Google will only be emboldened to act in ways that are more harmful to consumers and innovators.”

FairSearch.org has an entire page, with links to many reports, devoted to Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s fight with the FTC.

Despite the fact that it is going to anger many people, it appears that Google will escape the wrath of the FTC relatively unscathed.

Check back here for more updates on Google FTC Settlement.

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