Ending an FTC investigation into allegations that Google used cookies and bypassed privacy settings to track people who use Apple's Safari browser, the company will pay what .

The settlement also mandates that Google disable all of the cookies it placed on affected users' computers.

"FTC spokespeople seem to be emphasizing that the $22.5 million is the largest fine ever and that it will send a clear 'don't mess with the FTC' message," said Dan Olds, an analyst with The Gabriel Consulting Group. "However, Google had more than $12 billion in pre-tax earnings in 2011, which is more than $33 million a day. That means the FTC's record-setting Google fine is the equivalent of a little over 16 hours of Google profits.

"When you look at the big picture, this FTC fine is more like a rounding error than a serious punishment," he added.

According to Olds, the fine is more akin to a traffic ticket than an arrest, not something that should leave a lasting mark.