Joining the big tech hit list, Google has been fined $123 million by Italy's antitrust authority. The fine for the tech giant comes as a result of Google allegedly excluding an app from Android Auto in favor of its own alternatives.
Google's $123 Million Fine Over Android Auto
Google has been hit with the $123 million fine for excluding an app from its Android Auto platform, allegedly in favor of its own. The Italian Competition Authority (ACGM) handed Google this fine after the company excluded JuicePass from Android Auto.
Developed by Enel X Italia, JuicePass is an app that allows motorists to see where nearby electric vehicle chargers are, manage their charge, and even reserve spots. An app so specific to cars would surely be the perfect candidate for Android Auto. However, Google didn't agree.
It goes without saying that drivers shouldn't be using their phones while driving, so bringing such an auto-focused app to Android Auto would be ideal. On Android Auto, drivers can safely interact with apps through their car's entertainment system.
The Authority ruled that Google must allow JuicePass onto the platform. It also said that the company must provide the same level of Android Auto integration to third-parties as it does to its own apps.
In the press release, the ACGM explained that "Google has unfairly limited the possibilities" for users to use JuicePass when using an electric vehicle. The organization went on to claim that "Google has consequently favored its own Google Maps app, which runs on Android Auto" and "enables functional services for electric vehicles". It also acknowledged that Google Maps is planning to include some JuicePass features in the future.
What Will Google Do Now?
In addition to the $123 million Google must pay to the Italian Competition Authority, the company has also been instructed to allow JuicePass onto Android Auto. And this isn't the first time Google has been fined for antitrust behavior.
Google has said that it "disagrees" with the Authority's decision and denies any favoritism of Google Maps, but will "review the options" to allow JuicePass onto Android Auto as instructed. So far there hasn't been any timescale for when Google may do so.
While Google didn't mention any specific reasons for excluding JuicePass from Android Auto, it did mention that not all apps pass the strict guidelines in a statement to TechCrunch. Its "number one priority for Android Auto is to ensure apps can be used safely while driving," which is why there are "strict guidelines" for apps to meet.
More Third-Party Apps Could Be Coming to Android Auto
The Italian Authority's ruling has set a precedent that Google will have to ensure it offers the same level of Android Auto interoperability to third-parties as it does to its own apps.
This means that we may see more third-party apps coming to Android Auto in the near future. Such apps may include rivals to Google's native apps on the platform.