Google had been accused of putting its own products high up in search results and giving competitors a lower ranking making it harder for customers to find them. Google has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The WSJ said the FTC was close to completing its investigation into Google's search practices when Google offered to make voluntary changes similar to the settlement it reached on patents after it acquired Motorola Mobility, a handset maker.
Reuters had reported on December 18, 2012 that FTC would delay its decision on the more than two-year investigation to consider Google's offer.
The agreement would allow the FTC to enforce Google's voluntary commitments, some of these people told the journal.
Google, in December had been prepared to make some changes to its business practices to secure an end to the FTC investigation.
Neither the FTC nor Google could be reached for comment.
© Thomson Reuters 2012
For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.