India’s Antitrust Probe Into Google Moves Into Next Phase

An investigation into whether Google has been abusing its dominance of internet search to stifle competition in India is moving into its next phase.

The preliminary findings of the three-year-old probe have been submitted to the Competition Commission of India and to Google.

The inquiry revolved around complaints filed by several websites contending that Google has been unfairly highlighting its own services in its influential search results at the expense of its rivals.

The allegations are similar to other accusations of illegal self-promotion in the U.S., Europe and other parts of the world.

Google has until Sept. 10 to respond to the preliminary findings in India, although that deadline could be extended.

Google says it’s confident it will be cleared of wrongdoing.