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FTC: Google Altered Search Results For Profit

mi writes: We've always suspected that Google might tweak its search algorithms to gain an advantage over its rivals — and, according to an FTC investigation inadvertently shared with the Wall Street Journal, it did. Quoting: "In a lengthy investigation, staffers in the FTC's bureau of competition found evidence that Google boosted its own services for shopping, travel and local businesses by altering its ranking criteria and "scraping" content from other sites. It also deliberately demoted rivals. For example, the FTC staff noted that Google presented results from its flight-search tool ahead of other travel sites, even though Google offered fewer flight options. Google's shopping results were ranked above rival comparison-shopping engines, even though users didn't click on them at the same rate, the staff found. Many of the ways Google boosted its own results have not been previously disclosed.

2 of 232 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I just don't care by alphatel · · Score: 0, Troll

    Google isn't a monopoly, and search functionality isn't a public utility. Google never promised to have its page rankings work in a particular way.

    Hi #GoogleTrollArmy !

    --
    When the foot seeks the place of the head, the line is crossed. Know your place. Keep your place. Be a shoe.
  2. Re:I just don't care by Ionized · · Score: 0, Troll

    are you a lawyer? care to cite the exact law they are breaking, along with court precedent of a comparable case?