The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reportedly preparing an investigation of Google Inc's dominance of the Internet search industry. Citing three people familiar with the matter, media reports indicate that the FTC is alerting high-tech companies to gather information for the probe.
The agency has reportedly informed the companies of its plans to issue civil investigative demands for the information. The demands are similar to subpoenas.
The FTC, which has been considering a broad investigation, was awaiting a decision by the Justice Department on whether it will dispute Google's planned acquisition of ITA Software, Inc., an airline flight and ticket information provider, before proceeding with any probe.
Earlier this month, the Justice Department approved Google's $700 million purchase of ITA subject to the condition that it makes travel data available to search-engine rivals and let the government review complaints that it's acting unfairly.
Google is facing increasing scrutiny from regulators globally as it bolsters its search business. The European Commission and Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott have also begun probes into its business practices. The company is also facing antitrust complaints in South Korea due to the increasing dominance of its Android software for mobile phones.
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