On Thursday at 10:00 a.m. PST, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced that Google is settling with the FTC as it pertains to antitrust issues that have plagued the Internet search giant in the headlines since 2011.
Google competitors that are displeased with how their search results turn up on Google will be given the freedom to opt out under an agreement that was just made public today by the FTC.
The FTC also determined that Google’s search results were not self-benefiting in terms of how Google-friendly results are presented.
By a 4-1 vote, the commission determined that Google must end its practice of stopping the use of “standard essential patents” by Google competitors.
Google is even being told to loosen restrictions on the use of AdWords, specifically in ways that make cross-platform advertising cumbersome for users.
“Today’s action delivers more relief for American consumers faster than any other option available to the commission and protects competitions to competitors in several crucial markets,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz announced.
MMW will keep you updated as more information and analysis become available.
