Shocking News! - U.S. regulators moving closer to suing Google

54 replies
But is it really a Shocking news?

News reports are flying around that Federal regulators are moving closer to suing Google over allegations that Google has abused its dominance of internet search!

Read for your self:

CTV News Report


New York Times Report

and many many more...

What does it mean for an average internet marketer who on a regular basis arm wrestles with Google to make a dime?

Will this help You?

The claim is that Google manipulates search results!!! Is that shocking for you?
#closer #ftc #google #lawsuit google #moving #news #regulators #search engine #shocking #suing
  • Profile picture of the author PPC-Coach
    Not shocked, google does manipulate everything.

    They have one goal, make as much money as possible.

    It's not about what site is best, it's about which site they like best. They control the internet and it's kinda sad that we view the whole thing through their eyes. It's like Skynet in the Terminator movies!

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    • Profile picture of the author mikelmraz
      Originally Posted by PPC-Coach View Post

      They control the internet and it's kinda sad that we view the whole thing through their eyes.
      Erm, couldn't you just use other search engines? From where I come from, they give us free will to do that
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  • Profile picture of the author TheSmurf
    Not shocked at all. They dominate the internet. They don't care about your privacy. All they tell you is it's to know more about your browsing activities so they can post relevant ads.

    They released an article about that and you need to download something. You get $25 for making them invade your privacy. In other words, you sold yourself for $25.
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  • Profile picture of the author TMercT
    I wonder how that would affect the websites and algorithms.
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  • Profile picture of the author CrisisCore08
    Goole is not the most friendly type,actually they might ban the gov websites,but what judge will allow it? what jury in the world will convict google?
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      What would be shocking is if Google lost the suit, though look what happened to
      AT&T back in the 80s.

      I'm not even sure what a lawsuit would do or how it would even change
      anything. Google has more money than they know what to do with, so how
      much can they possibly be fined?

      And then what? Forced to change their search algo?

      How do you enforce it?

      While I'd love to see Google put out of business for all their abuse, I don't see
      this as doing anything all.

      Which is why I have always said, if you rely on Google for your livelihood, you're
      leaving yourself open for a potential heartbreak.

      The trick is to see what Google DOES like (such as sites) and take advantage
      of them while staying within their TOS.

      For example, like I brought up in another thread, Google likes the Warrior
      Forum. So use the forum blog to post your IM articles. You'll find that they'll
      probably rank higher than submitting them to EZA or other places.

      You can't beat the system but you can work within it to your advantage. The
      trick is to not get so caught up in it and put all your eggs in the Google
      basket.

      I will say this much. When the day comes that they are finally put out of
      business, I am going to mark it on the calendar and celebrate that date each
      year as a holiday.
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  • Profile picture of the author dcbaker1
    I just found out that Google's algorithm is a joke too...

    For example:
    - wielrenkleding.nl

    The site only got 1 page without content:
    - https://www.google.nl/#hl=nl&safe=of...pw.r_qf.&cad=b

    The domain is aged atleast 3 years and it's on top of the page when you search for:
    - wielrenkleding

    So what about the EMD update for the quality content? Does Google only focus on trust of the site or is the result MANIPULATED?
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by dcbaker1 View Post

      I just found out that Google's algorithm is a joke too...

      For example:
      - wielrenkleding.nl

      The site only got 1 page without content:
      - https://www.google.nl/#hl=nl&safe=of...pw.r_qf.&cad=b

      The domain is aged atleast 3 years and it's on top of the page when you search for:
      - wielrenkleding

      So what about the EMD update for the quality content? Does Google only focus on trust of the site or is the result MANIPULATED?
      Or maybe that's the best they can find in Google's Netherlands index for what appears to be a misspelling.

      When I search the same misspelling on the US version, it shows up in the #5 position. If I use Google's suggested spelling, "wielerkleding", it doesn't show up at all in the first three pages of results.

      As for this prospective lawsuit, I expect that a lot of the noise will die down in about four weeks, at least in the USA. Even if there is some sort of settlement, I doubt it will do the small-time operators with thin niche sites who live from loophole to loophole much good.

      Like Steven said, about the best you can do is keep your eyes open and look for ways to work within their system if you want to (or feel you have to) rely on their results.
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  • Profile picture of the author Roslyn Agosta
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    Search engines manipulate search results. It's what they do. Google will fall on its own.
    Pretty bold statement, will Google ever fall?
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  • Profile picture of the author wsmreviews
    Good. Its about time they get checked! Long ago Google was cool. Now they are a money hungry, unregulated beast with way too much money, way too much power, and some deceptive business practices to boot. Not healthy for the web to have one entity control so much.
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  • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
    Originally Posted by GuruGuna View Post

    What does it mean for an average internet marketer who on a regular basis arm wrestles with Google to make a dime?
    It depends on your market. If you are selling dog leashes it means little, except to give Google a heads-up it should not in the future leverage its search dominance to sell dog leashes.

    If you are selling hotel listings you're hoping Google gets pounded fast before you're out of business ... if you're not already out of business.

    This will be an interesting anti-trust case. The biggest issue is whether Google truly dominates some "market" - the issue of Google using its leading position in search to move into unrelated markets seems obvious and easily proved.

    .
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  • Profile picture of the author mikelmraz
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    Search engines manipulate search results. It's what they do. Google will fall on its own.
    I'm not entirely sure what you mean by that. They surely have an algo that will rank the positions of sites. But not sure if they do that for individual results or with a certain agenda.
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  • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    Internet marketers manipulate search results
    There, fixed it for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Ten
    I won't be surprised at all if the government goes after Google.
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    • Profile picture of the author THK
      Originally Posted by Michael Ten View Post

      I won't be surprised at all if the government goes after Google.
      G has been there, done that. They have been in hot water before, paid their way out of it. Many people don't know that, those that do don't care.

      This case will be no different. Nobody will pay attention. When you have the type of money G has, these are non issues.

      Tanvir
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  • Profile picture of the author WMGwyoming
    comScore released this report 2 days ago on the current state of the market share of the major search engines.

    comScore Releases September 2012 U.S. Search Engine Rankings - comScore, Inc

    With Google commanding 66.7% of the search traffic, that alone would be on the edge of a monopoly in the search engine industry. I believe that most people use Google because they believe they can trust them. So far in comparison to other large publicly traded corporations they have done little evil. They have earned their place.

    I would say though that they are treading on very thin ice with all their other products they are bundling, IE and windows ring a bell with anyone? It would not surprise me if the regulators require the different google companies to split up. Or force google to stop combining products. I will say Google is no Microsoft, I remember all of the forced software that was very difficult to remove. At least the majority of the google products I use can be shut off without major detriment to the rest of the google family of software.

    just my 2cents..
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I wonder how much they're going to sue them for. I dont use Google for anything... they're like another Amazon... make alot of dough, get comfortable... then BAMM! Account closed and money-making instantly stopped.
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  • Profile picture of the author jamesrich1
    I replied to a similar post earlier about this. Google is the #1 site in the world. Any of their sites are going to be a high page rank with a ton of backlinks. How would they not rank highly in their own search engines. As far as the manipulation for other sites... Money talks.
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  • Profile picture of the author rackspace
    no worries. they will lobby and get out
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    I was going to say more. The government is right. I'm not surprised.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Andrew Davis
    I doubt that Google will actually be fined. If they are, it would probably be some insignificant amount.

    I've seen huge companies like these get similarly related fines, and walk away with a "slap on the wrist" amounting to only $100K - $1M. (Facebook for example)

    The problem is that Google isn't really under much obligation as to how they manipulate the search results. It's their website, their business; they can choose how they want the results to appear.

    They aren't guaranteeing their users anything when they use Google search.

    Google doesn't declare: "We guarantee that you'll get the most accurate and reliable search results."

    Apparently when a company gets as large as Google is, a lot of ethical responsibilities come into play, but that hardly translates into legal/illegal actions, in my opinion.
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    • Profile picture of the author GuruGuna
      Your argument is correct but when such a false claim effects a lot of people in a country, the feds have to react and that is what's happening here. Google can do what they want but if people aren't getting what they want and constantly gets spooked by ads, they will find an alternative.

      Originally Posted by Andrew Davis View Post

      I doubt that Google will actually be fined. If they are, it would probably be some insignificant amount.

      I've seen huge companies like these get similarly related fines, and walk away with a "slap on the wrist" amounting to only $100K - $1M. (Facebook for example)

      The problem is that Google isn't really under much obligation as to how they manipulate the search results. It's their website, their business; they can choose how they want the results to appear.

      They aren't guaranteeing their users anything when they use Google search.

      Google doesn't declare: "We guarantee that you'll get the most accurate and reliable search results."

      Apparently when a company gets as large as Google is, a lot of ethical responsibilities come into play, but that hardly translates into legal/illegal actions, in my opinion.
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      • Profile picture of the author Andrew Davis
        Originally Posted by GuruGuna View Post

        Your argument is correct but when such a false claim effects a lot of people in a country, the feds have to react and that is what's happening here. Google can do what they want but if people aren't getting what they want and constantly gets spooked by ads, they will find an alternative.
        Yup I understand. That's why Google doesn't do anything too drastic.

        Lots of Internet Marketers notice and feel the impact of the changes to Google's algorithm, but the average Googler (who accounts for ~99% of search queries) doesn't notice much of a difference, if any, as Google continues to manipulate the results slowly.

        Therefore, there is hardly enough people being negatively affected by Google to cause a serious legal battle against them.

        While thousands of Marketers are affected negatively by Google's "tweaks", thousands more are affected positively.

        It's pretty hard to prove that Google has been making the search results in favor of their Adwords program, for example.
        Even though it's almost obvious that they are doing that, the Feds are going to have a hard time proving it.

        The guys at Google are pretty smart, such evidence would be buried deep within their Algorithms.


        In any case, I'm not doubting that Google will be eventually caught; but I doubt that any fines they may face will do significant damage to their company.
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  • Profile picture of the author Simon Ashari
    Of course google manipulates search results... they create the algorithm that generates those results.

    BTW most of us use google to search for one very good reason... they are the best. The second they start slipping, someone else will come and take a huge chunk of their market share.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nicholas Ferrante
    Seriously... lol, I like the one comment, " it is their business they can do what they want"

    True, as long as they don't do anything illegal, everyone uses google, google has tons of money, the may manipulate the search results, but that's their call they created the whole thing.

    and about the lobbying, mmm I wouldn't be surprised to see an internet lobbyist in DC, their is one for every other industry with mega money that pushes boundaries.

    can't do anything but go with the flow... and enjoy the fact that we can still free use the internet. I think the problem with the gov is that they can't control google,yet. but they are trying, that's for sure...
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  • Profile picture of the author IMSince2003
    Shocking News! Next you're going to suggest that lawyers manipulate the legal system for their own gain! Sheesh, what's the world coming to?
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  • Profile picture of the author gmil88
    It will definitely be interesting to see how this all plays out and how hard the government decides to come down on Google, I for one believe that they will get a slap on the wrist as some have already stated and will be back at it in no time. Google is too big to bring down. It's sad, but it's true.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
    Banned
    Not shocking at all since we've had several threads already on this already

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ght=FTC+Google

    http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ght=FTC+Google
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  • Profile picture of the author mickyl
    Google is dominating the internet, but in my opinion, this is not the problem. The problem is that they collect tons of information and if it ever gets to the wrong hands, we'll have a major problem.
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    • Profile picture of the author GeorgR.
      Originally Posted by mickyl View Post

      Google is dominating the internet, but in my opinion, this is not the problem. The problem is that they collect tons of information and if it ever gets to the wrong hands, we'll have a major problem.
      Google does not collect really more information than your random facebook, Amazon etc. site.

      The problem is that Google always makes it sound as if their changes are "for the good of everyone", eg. increasing site quality, user experience etc. - but on the other hand are a company with one goal: PROFIT

      Why do you think are ads on top of the organic search results? Why do you think do the recent Google changes MOSTLY affect smaller/medium businesses etc. negatively?

      Is it REALLY because it makes search results "better"...or is it rather because Google wants them actually to use Adwords for their traffic?

      If page #1 in Google is all dominated by so called "quality" and authority sites, like xyzpedia and .edu, .gov sites...ALL the businesses and sites who got negatively affected by all the changes NEED TO use adwords because they are not in the natural SERPs anymore. Saying, all those changes will directly create more revenue for Google (more use of Adwords required)....but of course we will only hear the reasoning given it's for quality/better results - NEVER that profit plays a role there too...
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      • Profile picture of the author Tayman
        ....or this could be a ploy to make the people believe the federal government actually gives a #^$@ what Google does. You mean to tell me it took the government over a decade to see what is going on? Please...

        I predict:

        Nothing will happen.

        or

        Google will get a minor slap on the wrist.

        :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author JLRodriguez
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author bhmseoservices
    I guess Microsoft was a little annoyed that they're spending 1B$ a year on Bing and yet it cannot compete or compare with Google's platform.

    I like Google but maybe there needs to be more choice out there.
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  • Profile picture of the author gpwilson
    I really don't think so. It would not affect in my business. The policy of Google is very fair. They would cross any obstacle if they would face any.
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  • Profile picture of the author Anthony J Namata
    I don't think I'll be waiting with baited breath to see what happens...if I'm honest.
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    A few things first.

    1) Google is not the be all and end all to traffic. Just one way to get it.

    2) most people are tuned into think they must rank high in google to get best traffic. nonsense.

    3) Google thinks it is king, and its about to get thrown back in their face.

    4) Hope google has it coming, getting sick of them anyway.

    Google is getting to be like that pest rat you cannot get rid off in the attic.

    I learnt after many google updates, that I did not care who what what this entity was, flipped the birdie to google long ago, and get PPC other ways, and rank higher in search engines by buying media buys on targeted sites.

    Again google is not the be all and end all, but most people do not realise this.
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  • Google's search algorithm, Google's rules. Google simply offers their service to the world (like any other company), if you don't like use Yahoo.

    I'm fed up of the freaking government getting their noses into everything.
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Yawn... How many times did every country imaginable go after Microsoft?

    You get BIG & everyone goes on a witch hunt.
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  • Profile picture of the author hardnova
    This is very common knowledge. Google has, does and will continue to manipulate results as long as it benefits them to do so. Furthermore, they have a lot of capitol left over at they end of the day, to fix legal issues should they arise. No story here.
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  • Profile picture of the author FirstSocialApps
    Google has surely abused its dominance of the internet but I doubt that manipulating search results is what is being spoken about. I mean there really is noting morally or legally wrong with them manipulating how results are show (order etc) its there site after all. They choose what content displays and how. Im sure the abuse that is being spoken about is other things.
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  • Profile picture of the author LegionNate
    Here's my question to those of you who are smarter than me:

    Isn't it Google's search results and they can do what they want? No one is forced to use it. I feel like it's a directory, and if I owned a directory I would be able to put business in the order that I wanted to.

    Is that not true at all? Or does the government get to dictate how they run their business for some reason unknown to me?
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  • Profile picture of the author RyanLow
    No big issue here. Google will continue to dominate the online search world for years to come.
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  • Profile picture of the author Coby
    I never trusted Google...

    ... glad I built my own traffic instead (my list)

    I control my business and financial destiny NOT Google
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  • Profile picture of the author btyiw
    I'm actually in support of this move. Companies are openly infringing on our privacy rights without any accountability.


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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Schwarz
    Isn't it Googles playground? Everyone could always use Yahoo.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Keith
    while i am not a huge fan of google, I am not big on breaking up stuff like this. Googlel can go away almost as fast as it rose to power. Its easier to leave most google services than any "monopoly" that has ever been. Google is just a couple bad pr moves away from bing.com gaining big market share. That kind of movement and replacement of a possible monopoly is pretty new to businesses. There is little to compare this stuff too in history really. its not even close to AT&T stuff at all.

    Also, the one thing you can predict about google is that they will always act in their best interest so plan accordingly. You let the government start telling google what their search results are going to look like and who knows what the winners and losers will look like.

    Do you actually think your beloved congressmen are not going to have a few interests in some certain sites having better ranking if they get to advise google on search rankings...lol.

    My thoughts are that when the public decides what google is doing is not in their best interests it takes about 10 seconds for people to change their default search engine to bing.com.

    I am not for some bureaucrat deciding what my search results should look like. I don't trust google, but I sure as hell trust them more than washington bureaucrats.... and in most cases lawyers.... no offense Brian.
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