he U.S. antitrust probe into Google Inc. could hem in its growth ambitions for years, even if regulators do not unleash their most formidable weapons: Seeking a breakup of the Internet giant or exerting control over its cherished search algorithm.
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) probe into business practices at Google, announced last month, puts it in the company of Microsoft Corp., IBM and other businesses that landed in the government’s crosshairs. In perhaps the most drastic case, the process led to the breakup of AT&T Corporation.
Some analysts and investors believe Google will strike a settlement with the government to avoid the distraction and business risk that would come with a prolonged court fight.
But they also note that a worst-case outcome could curtail Google’s growth prospects and undermine its position at the top of an increasingly competitive Internet industry.
David Balto, a former policy director for the FTC, said government efforts to oversee Google’s day-to-day operations could cramp its ability to innovate.
“It would be like putting mittens on Da Vinci’s hands,” he said. “We’d still get paintings but they would be nowhere as brilliant.”
via Google’s antitrust probe drives speculation – The China Post.
