United States of America: Closed investigation into Google for alleged search bias after proposed business practice changes

On 3 January 2013, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) closed its investigation into Google for alleged search bias after Google proposed several changes to its business practices. The FTC will, therefore, neither press charges against Google nor investigate the matter further. The FTC investigated if Google displayed its own content in a preferential way, used data of other companies to its own benefit, restricted competitors in their use of Google search and tied competitors to its advertising service. Google offered voluntary commitments for five years that included more freedom in the use of Google advertising and more transparency and fairness in contract terms with its competitors.