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Google/Microsoft antitrust clash revived
Search engine giant Google has reportedly accused Microsoft of violating a landmark antitrust agreement.

Google has alleged that the desktop search feature in the new Windows Vista software promotes Microsoft's own search software, to the detriment of a third-party application such as Google Desktop.

This violates the terms of the 2002 antitrust agreement in which Microsoft promised to stop abusing its position as the OS market leader by promoting its own products.

A statement from the search leader outlined the accusations, reports vnunet.com.

"Microsoft's current approach with Vista desktop search violates the consent decree and limits consumer choice," the statement reads.

"The search boxes built throughout Vista are hard-wired to Microsoft's own desktop search product, with no way for users to choose an alternative provider from these visible search access points."

Microsoft has been quick to dismiss the claim, with chief executive Steve Ballmer saying in a speech at the Detroit Economic Club:

"We continue to comply with the consent decree we signed with the US government in recognition to the findings around our position with Windows."

He added: "We think all claims to the contrary are baseless."

This latest conflict is one of several recent antitrust spats between the two companies.

Google claimed that Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7 software directed users towards the latter's MSN Search application, while Microsoft has accused Google of breaking antitrust laws with its purchase advertising company DoubleClick.

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18/06/2007
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