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The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has fined Google LLC, its parent company Alphabet Inc., and Google Italy S.r.l. approximately $123 million for abuse of a dominant market position, according to its press release. The fine was levied against the tech giant on Thursday for restricting access to an Enel X Italia app that offers electric vehicle (EV) recharge services in Android Auto, an altered version of Google’s mobile operating system (OS) designed for in-car use, according to a
TechCrunch article by Natasha Lomas.
The AGCM explained that through the Android OS and the Google Play app store, Google controls app developers’ access to Italian end users, 75% of whom use the operating system country-wide. Reportedly, “Google did not allow Enel X Italia to develop a version of its JuicePass app compatible with Android Auto, a specific Android feature that allows apps to be used while the user is driving in compliance with safety, as well as distraction reduction, requirements.”