-US states launch untitrust probes into Google.

CORPORATE IT UPDATE-(C)1995-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS

24 June 2011 -- Three US states have launched antitrust probes against Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), stepping up regulatory pressure against the Internet search group ahead of an expected federal investigation into the group's market dominance, the Financial Times reported.

Attorneys-general in California, New York and Ohio have opened investigations into the potential risks for online competition deriving from the dominant position of Google. The moves by the three states follow a probe launched by the Texas attorney-general last year.

A person familiar with the investigations said that the growing number of states where Google is feeling anti-competition pressure is likely to take considerable resources and management attention.

The probes opened recently by the three states are still at an early stage, people close to the proceedings said.

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