The platform allows drivers to use navigation functions and exchange messages on their vehicle management panels. Google was fined by the Italian Competition Authority, referencing safety issues and the absence of a specific template for applications. As a result, Google allowed this request; however, this decision may set a precedent for other large companies in similar cases.
Judges of the European Court supported the position of the Italian regulator, stating that "the refusal of a company, situated in a dominant position, to ensure interoperability with another company's application, making it more competitive, may be abusive." Nevertheless, the court pointed out that companies can indeed justify such refusals if there is no suitable template for the category of application and providing access causes harm to safety or the integrity of the platform.
Now the Italian government must issue a decision on Google's complaint in line with the European Court's ruling. In the course of case C-233/23 Alphabet and Others, it was established that Google's refusal to allow the use of an application developed by the Enel company for electric cars JuicePass on the Android Auto platform constitutes an abuse of market power.
The Italian antitrust authority fined Google €102 million for blocking the JuicePass application on Android Auto. In such situations, the dominant company must develop a template in reasonable terms. The decision is final and not subject to appeal. (1 dollar = 0.9558 euros)
