Report: Europe's top antitrust regulator poised to allege Google stifled competition

A published report says Europe's top antitrust regulator is poised to file charges alleging Google has been illegally using its dominant search engine to stifle competition.

The Wall Street Journal says the European Union commissioner, Margrethe Vestager, has decided to pursue a case that will challenge Google's practice of highlighting its own services in its influential search results at the expense of its rivals.

Citing an unnamed person familiar with the matter, the Journal says Vestager consulted with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on her decision Tuesday.

Google Inc. didn't respond to requests for comment.

If it's filed, the antitrust case would escalate an investigation that began nearly five years ago. A legal battle could culminate in Google being fined about $6 billion and forced to change its practices.