FTC prolongs review of Google-AdMob merger, asks for more details

The Federal Trade Commission has asked for more information from Google about its acquisition of mobile phone advertising platform AdMob, according to Google. The FTC is looking into potential antitrust violations as part of a regulatory review of the merger. Google announced its acquisition of AdMob in November. Google said in a blog post Wednesday afternoon that the FTC informed the search engine giant that it was conducting a "second request" in its regulatory review of the $750 million merger. The FTC doesn't comment on mergers under review. But the prolonged review is more evidence that the agency -- charged with ensuring competition in business industries and protecting consumers' interests -- is taking a more proactive approach to enforcement of the high-tech industry. The FTC also appears to be taking a forward-looking approach to the sector, where technology trends can move more quickly than regulations and enforcement, analysts say.