Google Fined 139.6 Billion KRW for Unfair Competition Violation in Italy

Google Disputes Authorities' Decision... Will Appeal

Photo by Reuters

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Google has been fined 102 million euros (approximately 139.6 billion KRW) in Italy for abusing its dominant market position.

According to major foreign media including TechCrunch, on the 13th (local time), the Italian antitrust authority imposed a corrective measure fining Google Italy and its parent company Alphabet 102 million euros.

The Italian antitrust authority explained that Google restricted the compatibility of competitor app 'JuicePass' on the Android Auto platform for vehicles for over two years, which constitutes a violation of fair competition.

The authority judged that Google used its dominant market position to deliberately exclude the use of competitors' apps and indirectly forced the use of Google Maps.

It further warned that if such behavior is not corrected, it could limit consumer choice, infringe on the business rights of Enel X, and negatively impact the growth of the e-mobility and electric vehicle industries.

Previously, Enel X, a subsidiary of the Italian energy company Enel specializing in power software, filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming that its electric vehicle app does not operate on Android Auto. JuicePass is an app that provides search and reservation services for the nearest EV charging stations.

Google expressed its intention to appeal. A Google spokesperson stated that based on local regulations, industry standards, and driver safety tests, some apps may not be supported, and disagreed with the authority's judgment of abuse of dominant market position.