EU anti-trust regulators are set to announce later this month a decision that could result in charges against US Internet giant Google over its grip on Europe`s search market, a source close to the case told AFP.
The 28-nation European Union began investigating Google in 2010 after complaints from rivals such as Microsoft that Google`s search engine, the world`s biggest, unfairly squeezed out competitors.
The source confirmed that Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager was contacting firms that had previously filed complaints against Google in order to build a case against it, often a preliminary step towards charges.
"The commission has been asking for some information given by the complainants to be included in the file," said the source, who represents a Google rival but spoke on condition of anonymity.
If Vestager finds there is evidence she could "within weeks" issue a "statement of objections" against Google, which would mark a new stage in the five-year probe, according to the source which represents a Google rival.
That could then lead to formal charges and eventual fine against the Internet giant, but Google could also seek a settlement with the EU.
The case against Google could be closed by the beginning of 2016, the source added.
The Wall Street Journal said the commission has asked shopping, travel and other firms that filed complaints against Google if it can make public some information that was previously confidential.
The Financial Times meanwhile quoted Gary Reback, a Silicon Valley lawyer who has worked for several Google rivals, as saying that a number of his clients had received requests for permission to publish extracts from confidential complaints.
The firms were not named but US companies such as Microsoft and Trip Advisor are among those that have filed complaints against Google with the EU.
Google and Commissioner Vestager`s predecessor, Joaquin Almunia, made three attempts to resolve the dispute, but in each case intense pressure by national governments, Internet rivals and privacy advocates scuppered the effort.
Google chief Eric Schmidt had a first meeting in March with Vestager to discuss the probe.
