Tech: Google faces moment of truth on monopoly probe

Google faces moment of truth on monopoly probe

Google faces a moment of truth in the coming weeks over a lengthy US probe into potential abuse of its Internet search dominance, amid regulatory woes on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Federal Trade Commission is widely reported to be nearing a decision on whether to pursue Google for monopoly abuses, at the same time European regulators are conducting a similar review.

At least one member of Congress is warning the FTC to be wary of meddling in Google's business, but some of Google's rivals are pressing hard for action.

Critics point out that Google controls some 70 per cent of the Internet search market -- and the advertising that goes along with it -- and may exert even more power in the mobile sector by controlling the Android operating system used on two-thirds of smartphones.