Google and its Social Network , Google + , are  being investigated by U.S. antitrust case by the FTC, according to sources, the Commission examines whether the search giant has improperly used his influence to squeeze rivals.

The Federal Trade Commission is now extended to search Google + , both “familiar with the situation,” said Bloomberg. The social network, and how that now flows into the search results , in the headlines last week after Google announced plans to more closely customize the search user experience.

Called “Find Your World” , the new system uses the Google + social network to act as a filter for search results . For example, if users have expressed interest in maritime history, a search for “navy” could raise sea warfare to target instead of color-related findings. Meanwhile, Google + other users’ suggestions are included in the auto and even out as part of the results, as published slashgear.com.

However, the news was greeted with fury by other online services and privacy advocates. Twitter led the charge, furious that the tweets its users may receive less priority than status messages left on Google +, while the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a watchdog organization, wrote a public letter to the FTC required to investigate the actions of Google.

Google, meanwhile, remains challenging. “We believe that our best to find benefit to consumers,” said spokesman Adam Kovacevich of recent updates to the filtering technology of the company, arguing that the artificial limitation of Google as the dominant player in the searches would be a business decision rather than an intention to really help people to do searches. “ The laws are designed to help consumers benefit from innovation, “he argued,” not to help competitors. “

Kovacevich declined to comment on the possible inclusion of Google + in an FTC investigation. Search practices, and the way he dealt with Android as a hammer against potential competition in the mobile space are already under the microscope.