ITALY: Italian authorities have fined Search giant Google 102 million euros ($123 million) for abuse of its dominant position due to its Android mobile operating system and application store Google Play.
Italy’s competition watchdog in a statement on Thursday said, “Through android and the app store Google Play, Google has a dominant position which allows it to control the reach app developers have on final users.
Italy fines Google $123 mln for abuse of dominant position https://t.co/uh6WLG2H5f pic.twitter.com/6K6mH4WNuS
— Reuters (@Reuters) May 13, 2021
The regulator further said adding that almost three-quarters of Italians use smartphones running on Android. Google did not permit JuicePass, an electric vehicle (EV) services app from Enel X, to operate on Android Auto – which allows apps to be used while driving – unfairly limiting its use while favoring Google Maps, it added.
Google has not been allowing the app on Android Auto for two years, which could compromise Enel X’s ability to build a user base, the watchdog lamented.
Enel X is the “e-solutions” division of Italian utility Enel and Juice Pass mainly allows users to find charging stations on maps and view their details. On top of the fine, the regulator said it had requested Google make JuicePass available on Android Auto.
