The fine imposed on Google came after the protests by Enel X, which was blocked by the interoperability of the JuicePass application on Android Auto: the application is a valid support for all those who use electric cars and offers a wide range of services, including the possibility of booking a charging station.
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"Google, refusing Enel X Italia to make available JuicePass on Android Auto has unfairly limited the possibilities for users to use the Enel X Italia app when they are driving an electric vehicle and need to recharge "
To calculate the amount of the fine, the Antitrust was based on the turnover that Google communicates in reference to the EMEA area (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and also took into account the duration of the problem over time : the fact of preventing the use of JuicePass while driving via the Android Auto system has potentially slowed the spread of electric cars and this aspect also affects the amount that has been imposed as a fine.
Now it remains to understand how the situation will evolve following this decision confirmed by the TAR, with the possibility that the market equilibrium will change profoundly, taking away from Google the monopoly on various software we use every day.
Google Updates In-App Billing Rules To Allow Rival Payment Services
Google is updating its rules to allow app developers to use rival payments systems in place of the company's homegrown Google Play billing system in Europe. The change, announced Tuesday in a blog post, will help the Google ensure it's abiding by incoming EU tech laws, which will demand that tech giants operate on a fair and level playing field.
Whereas in the past, app developers were bound to using Google Play's billing system, now they can use an alternative system in the EU only. Developers choosing this option will see a 3% reduction in service fees paid to Google, which the company estimates will reduce the majority of developer fees down to around 12%.
The rules will only apply to non-gaming apps for now, but Google expects to expand the policy to include gaming apps in the future.
Google's policy change has been instigated by the introduction of a package of new digital laws that will govern how tech platforms big and small operate in Europe. It will likely be the first of several changes made by tech giants to ensure their house are in order before the laws come into effect later this year.
The package consists of two pieces of legislation: the Digital Services Act, which protects the rights of internet users, and the Digital Markets Act, which is designed to create fair and open competition in the digital realm. Together the pair of laws propose a set of new rules for all digital services, including social media and online market places. Large tech companies failing to comply with could be charged up to 10% of their annual global revenue.
'Although the DMA does not take effect for some time, we are launching this program now to allow us to work closely with our developer partners and ensure our compliance plans serve the needs of our shared users and the broader ecosystem,' said Estelle Werth, Google's director for EU government affairs and public policy in a blog post. 'As always, we'll continue to listen to developers' feedback and continue to invest to help them thrive on Google Play.'