EU launches e-commerce probe

Investigation is key part of commission's drive to tear down cross-border barriers for online customers

The EU opened a new front in its battle with Internet firms like Amazon and Google as part of a wide-ranging digital strategy aimed at making Europe more competitive with global rivals.

Brussels launched an anti-trust inquiry on Wednesday into the European online shopping sector amid concerns that US companies in particular are distorting the 28-nation bloc's cherished single market.