Google expects scrutiny, likes Netbooks

From CNET News.com: Google shouldn't be surprised to face government scrutiny as it continues to grow.

At least, that's what CEO Eric Schmidt thinks. In a wide-ranging discussion with reporters prior to Google's annual meeting at the company's headquarters, Schmidt deflected questions about reported government inquiries that have surfaced in past weeks by saying "we should expect governments around the world to pay attention to what we do, and hold us to the principles that we've articulated."

The Department of Justice is reportedly looking into Google's settlement with publishers over the rights to display book content online, which Schmidt called a "historic" agreement. And Google confirmed that the Federal Trade Commission wants to talk to Google about Schmidt's role on Apple's board of directors, which could be seen as a conflict of interest given Apple's iPhone business line and Google's Android project.

Schmidt said such scrutiny is to be expected as Google expands its reach into areas that were previously the domain of other interests.

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