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FTC To Issue Subpoenas In Google Antitrust Probe

WASHINGTON (CBS/AP) -- A published report said federal regulators were preparing to issue subpoenas to Google and other companies as authorities gather information for a broad antitrust probe into the Internet search leader's business practices.

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the Federal Trade Commission will issue subpoenas "within days."

The FTC was looking into whether Google abuses its Internet search monopoly to extend its dominance into other online markets, such as mapping, comparison shopping and travel. Rivals complain that Google Inc., which handles two out of every three Internet searches in the U.S., manipulates its results to steer users to its own sites and services and bury links to competitors.

Google and the Federal Trade Commission refused to comment Thursday.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services may have contributed to this report.)

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