Google's regulatory worries are deepening today, with the news that the European Commission has agreed to broaden its inquiries into the dominant search engine's alleged anti-competitive practices.

Officials announced they will investigate more claims that Google has rigged its algorithms against rivals.

The new complaints come from German web publishers BDZV – a newspaper and magazine group – and VDZ – a mapping firm – the New York Times reports. They originally complained to German authorities, but the cartel office in Brussels has now taken up their case.

The broadening investigation was launched at the end of November following complaints led by Microsoft. With Redmond's support, Foundem and ejustice.fr allege they were unfairly and deliberately demoted in search rankings.

Google denies any wrongdoing and says it will be "working with the commission to address any concerns". ®

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