Policy

Google Antagonist Wants To Know Why Company Was Hit With Minor Penalty

It was supposed to be a hit job!

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Consumer Watchdog, a group that's accused Google of antitrust misconduct, is trying to find out why the FTC's investigation into the subject resulted in only mild punishment.

The group requested the Federal Trade Commission release its staff's report to detail the situation, according to a letter Consumer Watchdog sent to the commissioners (PDF). The agency's staff prepare such reports then forward them to the five commissioners who vote on what course of action to take.

"I call on you to release the FTC staff report to help make clear what was behind the commission's otherwise unfathomable action. It is the only way that you can restore a modicum of public trust in the Commission's ability to serve as an effective antitrust enforcer," said John Simpson, the group's privacy project director.