Google FTC Settlement: Google and FTC – A Delayed Decision?

Google FTC Settlement: Earlier this week, we discussed a report that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) was close to ending a two year probe by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

According to a report this morning in the Chicago Tribune, this may not be happening as quickly as previously believed.

Despite the fact that FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz was interested in finishing off the investigation of Google for its past business practices, there is reason to believe that a decision will not be handed down for another few weeks.

This has left many to wonder what got in the way of a decision that appeared to be in Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s favor.

One theory is that the FTC backed off considerably due to a similar investigation by the European Commission (EU).

We discussed Google’s fight with the EU in this report: Google Inc Hopes to Settle with EU Antitrust Commission in 2013

In the same piece by the Chicago Tribune, a succinct synopsis of the situation is provided:

The EU’s antitrust chief, Joaquin Almunia, gave Google a month to come up with detailed proposals to resolve a two-year investigation into complaints that it used its power to block rivals, including Microsoft.

The European Commission has been examining informal settlement proposals from Google since July but has not sought feedback from the complainants, suggesting it is not convinced by what Google has put on the table so far.

Is it possible that the FTC has slowed its investigation and final decision until they get a better idea of what the EU is doing?

While the company is open to making changes to its current business practices, one thing they are 100% opposed to is allowing outsiders to “call the shots” when it comes to the company’s search engine algorithm.

Google had reportedly been prepared to make some changes to its business practices to secure an end to the FTC investigation but had balked at allowing regulators to interfere with its search algorithm. The company was also apparently prepared to make concessions on certain patent infringement lawsuits.

Check back here for more updates on Google FTC Settlement.

For a better idea of where Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) stands with the FTC and EU, read the following articles:

Google Inc, FTC Probe Update

Google Inc Hopes to Settle with EU Antitrust Commission in 2013