FTC Google Settlement: Google Ready to End FTC Antitrust Probe

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is poised to announce that Google has agreed to voluntarily change some business practices and settle allegations it misused patents to thwart competitors in smartphone technology, said the people, who asked not to be named because the decision isn’t public.

The FTC is expected to close its investigation into whether Google, operator of the world’s most popular search engine, skews its search results to favor its own services without enforcement action, the people said. The FTC’s decision not to take action is a blow to competitors including Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), Yelp Inc. (YELP) and Expedia Inc. (EXPE) and comes at a time when the European Union is seeking a “detailed commitment” on search to end its probe into allegations that Google discriminates against rivals.

As part of its voluntary concessions, Google will make changes in the way it uses content from other websites and allow advertisers to export data to other platforms, the people said.

Bloomberg reached out to both the FTC and a Google spokesperson for comment, but both declined to discuss the resolution.

Is the FTC jumping the gun? Should they spend more time making a decision on how to deal with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)? Here is what the people at FairSearch.org think:

If the FTC fails to take decisive action to end Google’s anti-competitive practices, and locks itself out of any remedies to Google’s conduct that are offered in Europe later this month, the FTC will have acted prematurely and failed in its mission of protecting America’s consumers.

What are your thoughts on Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s struggle with the FTC?

Check back here for more updates on FTC Google Settlement.

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Google Inc, FTC Probe Update

Google Inc and FTC – A Delayed Decision?

Google Inc Hopes to Settle with EU Antitrust Commission in 2013