Google is facing antitrust investigation from the FTC for possibly manipulating search results for the benefit of its products and services. (Image: adria.richards (CC) via Flickr)

The Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, is investigating Google for allegations that it may be manipulating its search engine results to prioritize its services, such as Google Plus, Google Maps, and YouTube.

Google’s adversaries are saying that the search company should not clamp down competition this way, but the company stressed that they have fair search rankings.

This antitrust investigation spearheaded by the FTC started last year, but now the probing is taking steam. Investigators plan to talk to Eric Schmidt, Google Chairman, soon, as reported by Bloomberg News.

FTC has called for the help of Beth A. Wilkinson, a popular litigator with a lot of experience, for its investigation.

Advocacy groups, such as Consumer Watchdog, have called on the FTC and regulators to force Google to take away the company’s unfair assets.

However, Bill Kovacic, a George Washington University law professor and former FTC commissioner, said that it is highly unlikely that the FTC will try to break down Google. Most likely, the commission will force the company to change up its highly complicated and constantly updated search algorithm for fair play.

Google has responded to the threats in earnest, hiring a Washington-based spokesperson to handle competition and antitrust contentions. It has also hired top legal experts to write for Google’s case. That includes Eugene Volokh, a UCLA professor, who wrote an argument saying the company can arrange search results to its liking according to the First Amendment free speech right.

About Neal Alfie Lasta

I enjoy learning and writing about social media and the latest in mobile updates.