In an unexpected legal turn of events, an adviser to Europe's highest court has ruled in favor of Italy's antitrust authority over Alphabet Inc.
GOOGL.O. Advocate General Laila Medina hinted that Google may have committed a transgression against the EU's competition laws with its decision of non-access regarding the Enel JuicePass app into the universe of Android Auto.
The Italian antitrust authority had imposed a fine of €102 million (US$113.18 million) on Google in 2021 for allegedly favoring its own Google Maps over the Enel JuicePass app on Android Auto, a platform that allows drivers to access navigation and messaging functions on their car dashboard.
The opinion given by Medina is not legally binding, but often judges of the CJEU are scheduled to give their judgment in a few subsequent give rulings that are based on such advisories. Digital Platform regulation could be widely affected by this case, filed as C-233/23 Alphabet and Others.
The case epitomizes growing concerns that the control of access to big technology company platforms has been comingled to the detriment of competition and innovation. An impending ruling could revamp the digital terrain on how technology giants proceed with integrating third-party apps into their fold within the EU block.