Italy's competition authority fines Google, Apple 10 mln euros each

2021-11-26 22:05:40 GMT2021-11-27 06:05:40(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

ROME, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Italy's antitrust authority announced Friday to fine Internet search giant Google and computer and smartphone maker Apple 10 million euros (11.3 million U.S. dollars) each for competition-related abuses.

According to a statement from Italy's Competition and Market Guarantor Authority (AGCM), the companies were found guilty of two charges each for abusing the consumer code in the way they used private information for marketing purposes.

In each case, one charge was for a lack of transparency in informing consumers about their practices and one for the way the data collected was used. Both companies reportedly use the data for marketing purposes, user profiling, and in connection with third-party vendors using their platforms.

"There is a consumption relationship between consumers and the two operators, even when there is no monetary outlay," the AGCM statement said.

According to the AGCM, the fines for both companies were at the maximum level allowed for this type of alleged abuse.

According to Italian media reports, both Google and Apple said they would appeal the decision.

The fine is the second competition-related sanction against Apple in Italy this week. On Tuesday, the AGCM announced it had fined Apple 134.5 million euros for unfair practices in the marketing of high-end Beats headphones. Enditem

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