EU Gives Google A Chance

GIVING GOOGLE A CHANCE: Google has been given an opportunity to offer its remedies to the European Union in the anti-trust case brought by more than a dozen companies, including Microsoft and Expedia. European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia has offered the company the chance to propose its solutions within the next few weeks in four main areas of concern, including allegations that it unfairly discriminates against rivals in its search results and prevents clients of its advertising services from using competitors. The decision gives the Internet search giant a way to avert a massive fine. Experts feel Google may struggle to meet some of the demands, which go to the heart of its business model. Some online companies have argued that their revenues have been demolished as a direct consequence of being squeezed out by Google's search engines. The EU watchdog launched an investigation in Nov. 2010 into the world's most popular search engine after 14 different rivals accused it of abusing its dominant position. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has launched its own investigation. (5/21p)