EC investigates Google

Google is facing scrutiny from antitrust regulators, with the European Commission (EC) starting an investigation into allegations of anti-competitive behaviour after complaints from three European search sites, reports San Jose Mercury News.

Google acknowledged the preliminary investigation, but says it has done nothing wrong. Two of the companies filing complaints with the commission are reportedly owned or had close ties to Microsoft, which through its recently approved partnership with Yahoo has emerged as Google's primary competition in Internet search.

"We've always worked hard to ensure that our success is earned the right way - through technological innovation and great products, rather than by locking in our users or advertisers, or creating artificial barriers to entry," Julia Holtz, Google senior competition counsel wrote in a blog entry for Google.

Microsoft and Amazon have entered into a patent cross-licensing deal, according to CNET News.

As part of the pact, Amazon will pay Microsoft an undisclosed amount of money. The deal covers Amazon's Kindle product as well as the company's use of Linux-based servers, as Microsoft maintains many implementations of Linux infringe on its patents.

The software giant has signed numerous licensing deals that cover Linux with both companies that sell Linux-based software and those that use the operating system in their hardware.

Google says it plans to release its Street View application in Germany by the end of the year, while Berlin officials insist there are concerns the technology could breach German privacy laws, states DW-World.

The search giant rejected strong privacy objections raised by the German government, with Consumer Affairs Minister Ilse Aigner demanding that Google displays its imagery after each affected German citizen has given his or her permission.

Aigner says her staff are consulting with justice ministry officials, with the aim of tightening legislation. "A vague picture pixel change is not sufficient; I do not share the company's assessment that all personal data concerns have been resolved." Her ministry has been flooded with calls by citizens worried about protecting their privacy.