Italy’s competitors regulator has fined Google EUR 102 million (roughly Rs. 900 crores) for excluding an e-mobility app developed by Enel from the US tech big’s Android system.
For greater than two years, Google has not allowed Enel’s JuicePass to function on Android Auto – a system that permits apps for use safely in vehicles – unfairly curbing its use whereas favouring Google Maps, the regulator stated on Thursday.
“The contested behaviour can influence the development of e-mobility in a crucial phase … with possible negative spill-over effects on the growth of electric vehicles (EV),” it stated.
In an announcement saying the effective for abuse of a dominant place, the regulator requested Google to make JuicePass accessible on Android Auto.
JuicePass is owned by Enel’s “e-solutions” subsidiary Enel X, which introduced the case towards Google. The app affords customers providers for locating and reserving EV charging stations on maps and viewing particulars.
Google “respectfully disagrees” with the antitrust regulator’s choice and can look at the paperwork to resolve its subsequent steps, a spokesman for Google in Italy stated.
Google’s precedence for Android Auto is to make sure security whereas driving, with stringent tips on which apps it helps, he stated.
“There are thousands of apps compatible with Android Auto, and our goal is to enable even more developers to make their apps available over time,” the spokesman stated.
The regulator stated the US big had a dominant place that permits it to regulate the entry of app builders to closing customers via Android and its app retailer Google Play.
Enel acknowledged the choice, saying it was an essential enabling issue for the expansion of electrical mobility in Italy.
“In accordance with this decision, a level playing field with Google apps will be granted for Enel X’s app, JuicePass, and in general for all recharging app developers,” it stated.
© Thomson Reuters 2021
