Google search results became a hot topic during a Senate Antitrust hearing Tuesday afternoon, as Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal (Conn.) pressed witnesses to say the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should reopen an investigation into the tech giant.
Blumenthal particularly grilled Tim Wu, a former FTC advisor who initially defended the agency's 2013 decision to drop its investigation of Google's alleged search bias but who said the agency should take a second look after he published additional research last year, specifically surrounding local search results.
Google knowingly manipulates search results according to a research paper published several academics. The study presents evidence that the search giant sets out to hamper competitors and limit consumers’ options. The paper lands as Google prepares to release its response to the European Union investigation, which rests on similar claims about Google’s comparison-shopping product.
"Shouldn't the FTC change its view as well?" Blumenthal asked.
At another point the Senator asked: "If in fact Google is preferring its own properties, and if in fact there is consumer harm, which was not apparent to you before, shouldn't there be a basis for Section 5 enforcement action?"
"These cases are complicated, but I do think the FTC should be looking at this or the Justice Department or both," Wu said, adding that he understood the agency's hesitation to jump back into a review so soon.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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