USHCC Applauds FTC Decision as Google Investigation Concludes

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) today commended the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for its decision to conclude a year-long antitrust investigation of Google, Inc. The FTC found that Google's search engine did not harm consumers or hinder its competitors in what was one of the defining antitrust battles of the internet age.

"The USHCC believes the openness of the Internet has been central to its development and has encouraged the growth of American startups and innovative firms," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "We are delighted that the FTC's conclusion of this case will ensure internet freedom and allow good ideas to flourish, especially for Hispanic entrepreneurs who are starting new ventures at twice the national rate."

In a recent letter to FTC Chairman John Leibowitz and fellow Commissioners, the USHCC advocated for Hispanic-owned businesses that rely on Google's search engine to bring diverse products and services to the marketplace. Legal action against Google, the USHCC argued, would result in unwarranted restrictions on Google's ability to provide consumers with fast, reliable search results and search-related advertising.

"As is, the Internet empowers consumers and business owners to make their own choices about what sites, applications and services to use, and the range of consumer choices available on the internet gives e-commerce the flexibility to foster innovation and entrepreneurship," added Palomarez. "The FTC's announcement should pave the way for renewed internet freedom and certainty in the marketplace."

About the USHCC

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of over 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the United States that contribute in excess of $465 billion to the American economy each year. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com.