Italy’s competition regulator has fined Google (GOOGL.O) 102 million euros ($123 million) for excluding the e-mobility program created by Enel (ENEI.MI) in the U.S. technology giant’s mobile platform.
For two or more decades, Google hasn’t enabled Enel’s JuicePass to run on Android Vehicle – a system which makes it possible for programs to be used securely in automobiles – curtailing its usage when favoring Google Maps, the regulator said Thursday.
“The disputed behavior can influence the maturation of e-mobility at a vital stage… with potential unfavorable spill-over impacts on the rise of electric vehicles (EV),” it stated.
In a statement declaring the fine for misuse of a dominant position, the operator requested Google to earn JuicePass on Android Auto.
JuicePass is possessed by Enel’s”e-solutions” subsidiary Enel X which brought the case from Google. The program offers users solutions for locating and reserving EV charging channels on maps and screening details.
Google “respectfully disagrees” with all the antitrust regulator’s choices and will inspect the files to pick its next steps, a spokesman for Google in Italy stated.
Google’s priority for Android Auto would be to guarantee security when driving, using strict guidelines on which programs it supports,” he explained.
“There are hundreds and hundreds of programs compatible with Android Auto, and our aim is to empower more programmers to produce their programs available with the years,” the spokesman said.
The program said the U.S. giant had a more prominent place which enables one to control the accessibility of program developers to final users via Android and its program shop Google Play.
Enel confessed the decision, stating it was a significant enabling factor for the rise of electrical freedom in Italy.
“In agreement with this conclusion, a flat playing field with Google programs will probably be allowed for Enel X’s program, JuicePass, and also generally for many recharging app programmers,” it stated.
($1 = 0.8264 euros)
