London, Jan 4 : Google does not unfairly manipulate its search results to harm its competitors, the US trade authority has ruled.

Describing Google as "one of America's great companies", the Federal Trade Commission chairman Jon Leibovitz said that accusations by web rivals such as Microsoft were a result of their "hand-to-hand combat" with Google, rather than a fair representation of its practices.

According to the Telegraph, Leibovitz found that there was evidence that Google may have tried to manipulate its search results.

But he said that "although some evidence suggested Google was trying to eliminate competition, Google''s primary reason for changing its look and feel or [search] algorithm was to improve search results.'

He added that the practices of which Google was accused were also used by those accusing it of unfair behaviour, the paper said.

The FTC conceded that its verdict would be criticised.

He pointed out that many of Google''s competitors wanted the commission to go further and regulate the intricacies of Google''s search engine algorithm. (ANI)