On again, off again for Yahoo-Google?

The proposed advertising search deal between Yahoo and Google has been traveling on a rocky road, and there is a risk it could fall apart. The Wall Street Journal reported that the business arrangement may be in jeopardy as the U.S. Department of Justice continues to investigate whether it would curb competition and violate antitrust laws.

The newspaper reported that the companies have been working with the Department of Justice, but Google leaders may be losing patience and be ready to throw in the towel. The Justice Department could block the plan, and the concern from Washington has already forced Google and Yahoo to postpone their planned September launch.

Microsoft, viewing the arrangement as a threat, has warned that the partnership would send 90 percent of search ads to Google, which already dominates Web search and search ads. Advertisers also have complained that the partnership could increase their costs.

For more on this controversy:
- check out this InformationWeek.com article

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