U.S. watchdog to launch investigation into Google 'monopoly'

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission watchdog may launch a monopoly investigation into Google's dominance of the Internet search industry, according to reports today.

Before deciding whether to launch such an investigation, the FTC is waiting for the Justice Department to decide whether it will challenge Google's planned $700 million purchase of airline ticketing software company, ITA Software, Bloomberg said.

The FTC and the Justice Department share responsibility for investigating antitrust claims and could negotiate which agency would lead a major investigation into Google.

The Justice Department could soon announce its decision on Google's purchase of ITA.

Representatives for Google and the FTC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A representative for the Justice Department could not be reached.

Google's dominance in search is inviting heightened regulatory scrutiny around the world.

The internet giant, which runs the world's most popular search engine, has been under investigation by the European Commission since last November.

Last week rival Microsoft Corp filed a formal complaint with European antitrust regulators, claiming that Google systematically thwarts Internet search competition.