Google pays $500 million settlement in pharmacy ad probe

With the settlement, the Internet search engine will not face criminal prosecution related to accusations that it improperly benefited from ads promoting Canadian pharmacies that illegally imported medicines into the United States.

Los Angeles Times: Google To Pay $500 Million Fine For Running Canadian Pharmacy Ads
Google Inc. has agreed to pay $500 million for carrying advertisements by online Canadian pharmacies targeting consumers in the United States, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The ads resulted in the illegal importation of prescription drugs, the Justice Department said (Li and Hsu, 8/25).

The Associated Press: Google Settles Pharmacy Ad Probe For $500 Million
Google Inc. has agreed to pay $500 million to settle a U.S. government investigation into the Internet search leader's distribution of online ads from Canadian pharmacies illegally selling prescription drugs to American consumers. The settlement means Google will not face criminal prosecution for accusations that it improperly profited from ads promoting Canadian pharmacies that illegally imported drugs into the United States, Rhode Island U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha said. It is the first time an Internet search engine is being held responsible for the illegal distribution of drugs (Crimaldi, 8/24).