FTC subpoenas Apple in Google antitrust case

Apple has reportedly been subpoenaed by the US Federal Trade Commission, which has asked Cupertino to explain how the Chocolate Factory's search engine is slotted into the iPhone and iPad.

News wire Bloomberg, which cites two anonymous sources "familiar with the matter", said that the FTC had requested the relevant documents from Apple that include the deals it struck with Google to allow the company's search engine to feature prominently on the Mac maker's mobile devices.

The commission has been investigating anti-competitive claims brought against Google and the subpoena shows that the FTC is continuing to gather evidence that could support or indeed dispel those allegations.

Unnamed mobile vendors and wireless carriers have received similar requests from the FTC, noted Bloomberg.

Google's business practices are currently being probed on both sides of the Atlantic.

An 18-month-long investigation in Europe is expected to move into new territory in early April when competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia will inform Google of his concerns relating to complaints from the internet giant's rivals. ®