Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) lost a legal battle in the EU's top court, which sided with Italy's antitrust authority, ruling that the company's refusal to allow Enel X's JuicePass app on Android Auto could constitute an abuse of its dominant market position.
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) stated Tuesday that a dominant company denying interoperability to a third-party app on its platform may violate competition laws. However, the court noted that Google's refusal could be justified if granting access would compromise security or platform integrity. If that is not the case, the company must develop a template for such apps within a reasonable timeframe.
Italy's Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) fined Google 102 million for blocking the app, which helps electric vehicle drivers find and reserve charging stations. Google disputed the decision, leading to the case being referred to the CJEU.
The tech giant has since resolved the issue, according to Reuters.The court decision will help determine future legal outcomes related to tech companies or platform restrictions. Google remains without any further right to seek appeal.
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