Google was fined $123 million by Italian regulators over Android Auto
In the past few years, Google was heavily fined by the European Union for the monopoly of the Android system, but it seems that the anti-monopoly problem of Google and the Android system in Europe has not been resolved.
For example, the Italian antitrust regulator imposed a fine of $123 million on Google a few days ago. The reason is that Google’s monopoly through the Android system hinders competition.
It’s just that this wave of fines may be a bit of a loss for Google because the direct cause is that Google rejected a certain mapping software in Italy and was fined.
After discussing the dispute, Google and the map developer, and Italian regulators failed to complete the mediation, and finally, Italy decided to fine and force Google to list the map.
“Android Auto phone” by Automotive Rhythms is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
JuicePass is a charging points map software with a navigation function launched by an Italian developer. This software mainly serves users who drive electric cars.
As early as two years ago, the map software contacted Google, hoping to be put on Google Play so that Android Auto users can directly download and use it in the car.
However, Google directly rejected the request for listing and stated that users can use the Google Maps built into Android. However, the problem is that Google Maps is not a dedicated charging points app.
Therefore, for electric vehicle users who want to find the most convenient charging pile, JuicePass is better to use, but Google’s refusal to list it makes users unable to use it.
So the developer of this charging points map software filed a complaint with the Italian regulator. The developer said that Google used its dominant market position to prevent market competition.
At present, electric vehicles are considered to use clean energy to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are therefore popular all over the world, which also helps to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality.
Italian regulators believe that Google’s refusal to list charging points software is actually not conducive to the development of the electric vehicle industry and may increase the cost of using electric vehicles.
In particular, the current stage is a critical stage in the development of electric vehicles. Google’s use of its Android system’s market dominance to restrict software on the shelves is obviously a violation.
Regulators stated that Android has a 75% market share in Italy, and Google has the ability to restrict developer capabilities through Android and cause unfair competition.
For this reason, the regulator issued a fine of $123 million to Google, and the regulator also forced Google to put the JuicePass application on the shelves within a time limit.
At present, Google has issued a response to this matter:
“The number one priority for Android Auto is to ensure apps can be used safely while driving. That’s why we have strict guidelines on the types of apps which are currently supported and these are based on driver-distraction tests and regulatory and industry standards. Thousands of applications are already compatible with Android Auto, and our goal is to allow even more developers to make their apps available over time. For example, we have introduced templates for navigation, charging, and parking apps, open for any developer to use. We disagree with the Authority’s decision and we will review our options.”
Via: TechCrunch
