More Rumors of a Google Antitrust Investigation by FTC
ADOTAS – I imagine Microsoft sitting in a corner, sighing to itself, “I remember the days when the Federal Trade Commission was always bothering us…” The company then forms a wry smile before returning to weeping over the performance of its online services division last quarter.
In the latest gossip about a possible (U.S.) Google antitrust suit, three anonymous sources tell Bloomberg that the FTC has warned some high-tech operators to get their data ready because civil investigative demands are coming. They’re like subpoenas, but not as much fun to deliver.
This is the follow up to the last Bloomberg report where two anonymous sources “familiar with the matter” said the FTC was waiting for the Justice Department to make a judgement on Google’s proposed acquisition of ITA Software before deciding whether to pursue an antitrust investigation. Of course, Google cut a deal the department to get its flight information takeover rolling (Big G’s plans for domination in online flight booking depends on who you talk to), leaving the door wide open for the FTC.
Nobody from Google or the FTC felt like commenting. On the record, anyway.
Here’s the real question — is Google’s search business really a trust? Bing’s deal to power Yahoo! searches apparently hasn’t given the nascent engine the boost it was hoping, but Microsoft is still garnering about 30% of all U.S. searches. Doesn’t that kind of kill the whole “no commercially viable alternatives” argument for a monopoly?
There’s also no high barrier to entry in the search market — most online browsers let you choose between a variety of engines for your search box. You’ll never believe this, but on Internet Explorer the default choice isn’t Google.
It sounds a bit like the FTC is wasting its time… and perhaps taxpayer money? (!!!) One could argue the agency is doing the same by floating a “do not track” list in regards to online behavioral advertising. Aren’t there more pressing areas where consumers are in need of protection?
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