Google gets clean chit from FTC over search results manipulation accusation

Google won a crucial victory last night after a top US regulator ruled it did not unfairly manipulate its search results, a decision that would come as a heavy blow to major rivals.

According to Jon Leibovitz, chairman of America's Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Google was "one of America's great companies" and that accusations by web rivals such as Microsoft were a result of "hand-to-hand combat", rather than a fair representation of its practices.

He added, the FTC followed facts where they led and although some evidence suggested Google was trying to eliminate competition, Google's primary reason for changing its look and feel or [search] algorithm was to improve search results. He added those who were alleging unfair behaviour were themselves using the same practices.

Conceding that the verdict would be criticised, he said many of Google's competitors wanted the commission to go further and regulate the intricacies of Google's search engine algorithm.

Meanwhile, the Institute for a Competitive Marketplace expressing disappointment, urged  Europe to demand more meaningful concessions from Google.

In a response to the FTC, Google said the conclusion was clear: Google's services were good for users and good for competition.