Google faces a $9 billion fine for manipulating search results.

An investigation by the European Commission indicates that Google could face fines of up to $9 billion for manipulating user search results.

Google has been accused of using its Android operating system platform to stifle competitors - Photo: AP

According to Reuters, this is the conclusion of a seven-year investigation by the European Commission into a series of complaints from Google's competitors in both the US and the EU regarding unfair competitive practices by the world's most popular search engine.

The European Commission's investigation concluded that Google manipulated search results using its tools, directing users to search results related to Google's own shopping services.

Sources from two EU officials indicate that the fine will be announced within the next two months, before the EU's antitrust body takes its summer recess in August 2017.

Google has attempted to reach a settlement three times regarding allegations of search result manipulation before the case was concluded, but each time they failed.

For years, Google's rivals have repeatedly complained to the EU's antitrust commission about what they consider unfair business practices, alleging that Google manipulates search results to its advantage. They argue this harms users and other search engines.

Under EU law, businesses accused of violating competition regulations can face fines of up to 10% of their total annual revenue.

For Google, this fine translates to approximately $9 billion based on the company's total revenue in 2016.

In addition to financial penalties, EU regulators can also stipulate specific terms to compel Google to comply with fair rules in its business operations.

Google is currently involved in two other EU investigations, but so far no final results have been reached.

Google has been accused of using its Android operating system platform to stifle competitors and prevent other parties from competing in the advertising sector through its AdSense for Search platform.

According to Tuoitre.