Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Anna Eshoo Statements on FTC-Google Settlement

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), senior Member of the Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, released the following statements today regarding the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) antitrust settlement with Google:

“I’m pleased the FTC chose to complete its investigation of Google’s search practices with an enforceable agreement to protect consumers without impermissibly expanding the jurisdictional reach of the FTC,” said Rep. Lofgren.

“It’s good that the consent agreement between the FTC and Google on patents will help ensure consumers continue to benefit from new and innovative products and services that connect them to the Internet. Providing entrepreneurs and companies with greater access to standard technologies will help keep this key marketplace strong and diverse—creating jobs and growing our economy,” Lofgren said.  

“Following its investigation, the FTC’s settlement with Google today strikes an appropriate balance that protects consumers and preserves innovation,” Rep. Eshoo said. “At a time when the market for smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices continues to flourish, the settlement ensures that competitors will have access to the patents essential to powering these key technologies.”  

“Furthermore, despite a thorough investigation into allegations of search bias, the FTC ultimately decided against taking action that could hinder innovation and consumer choice. I applaud this decision, which recognizes the evolving Internet search market and the exciting innovations that have been the hallmark of the Internet to date,” Eshoo continued.

In a letter to the FTC last November, Eshoo and Lofgren expressed concerns over the Commission’s antitrust investigation of Google.

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