India Launches Antitrust Probe of Google

India has launched an antitrust probe of Google's online advertising business to investigate potential anticompetitive practices, government officials familiar with the matter say, marking the latest setback for the Internet company in an emerging market where it has lofty ambitions.

The probe, which could take several months to complete, is initially focused on AdWords, Google's flagship advertising product and main source of revenue. But the agency conducting the investigation, the Competition Commission of India, could expand it to scrutinize other Google services if it sees fit, according to the Indian officials.