Google moves closer to ending EU competition probe

Google has taken a significant step towards resolving a long-running EU antitrust probe, avoiding a fine of up to $5 billion.

The European Commission said the internet giant’s latest proposals to resolve the three-year long investigation “address its competition concerns adequately”.

Google will let rivals display logos and web links on its search site and make it easier for advertisers to switch to rival platform.

It will also label more clearly search results stemming from its own services to allow users to distinguish between natural search results and those promoted by Google.

EU Antitrust Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said he's "strongly convinced" the U.S. company's proposals - its third attempt to address the competition concerns - are sufficient.

The business who complained to the Commission will now have a chance to respond to Google’s proposal before the EC makes its judgement.