FTC Announces Google is off the Hook

After a nearly two year antitrust investigation, the Federal Trade Commission concluded that while some evidence suggested Google was trying to eliminate competition, its “primary reasons” for changing the look of search results were valid and designed to improve user experience. At a news conference in Washington on January 3, 2013, FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz, announced the decision regarding their probe into allegations that Google manipulated its search algorithms to promote its own products and services, harming competitors and consumers. "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," said Leibowitz. Although the FTC said it uncovered some obvious examples of bias in Google's results during the investigation, Leibowitz announced that the agency's five commissioners unanimously concluded there wasn't enough evidence to take legal action. "It was a unanimous decision. The reason is: it doesn't violate the American antitrust laws," he said at a press conference. "The facts weren't there under the law they apply to."