Italy launches an anti-competition investigation on Google Android, involving car APP

The Italian antitrust agency said it has approved preliminary procedures for launching antitrust investigations against operating entities such as Google, and Google Italy (collectively "Google").

Google's Android is the world's highest market share for smartphones, tablets and mobile devices. It has been subject to antitrust investigations or huge fines in countries such as the European Union and India. According to the latest news from foreign media, the Italian government's the anti-competition agency announced on Friday that it has investigated the alleged misuse of market dominance by Google's Android operating system.

According to foreign media reports, the Italian market competition regulator said that the investigation was related to Google’s alleged misuse of its dominant position in the smart device market.

In a press release originally written in Italian, the Italian antitrust agency said it had approved preliminary procedures for launching antitrust investigations against operating entities such as Google, and Google Italy (collectively, "Google").

The agency confirmed that officials had investigated some related companies on Thursday.

In a statement, the Italian antitrust agency claimed that Google refused to integrate the "Enel X Recharge" application developed by Enel into its "Android Auto" automotive application.

"Android Car" is Google's application software platform for connected cars. It can project the relevant car-related software inside the smartphone to the car screen, which is equivalent to an Android system used by a car.

The Italian antitrust agency added that the "Android Car" platform allows Android users to easily and securely use some applications and phone functions while driving, so by eliminating the Enel X charging application, Google has reduced the usability of the platform, especially bookings and charging station.

The statement added that Google's real purpose will be to defend and strengthen the business model of its Google Maps product, which provides end users with a wide range of services, including querying the location of electric car charging stations and how to reach the driving routes of these charging stations.

The Italian anti-competition department said that the relevant investigation procedures will be completed by May 30 next year.

Just a month ago, the Italian government began a preliminary the investigation into the US e-commerce giant Amazon, accusing it of abusing the the dominant position of e-commerce and logistics services.

The reporter could not immediately contact Google for comment.

Android is Google's most influential smart device operating the system, of which Android has accounted for nearly 90% of the smartphone market. The Android system has extended to many hardware fields and has created an operating system branch or platform tool that supports connected cars, network set-top boxes, and smartwatches.

Just earlier this month, according to foreign media reports, the anti-competition department of the Indian government also launched an anti-competition investigation on Google's Android operating system. India believes that Google bundled its own application software and Internet services in the Android system, causing the market to be unfair. Competition damages the rights of other opponents.

According to reports, the Indian government's investigation will take a year, and Google executives may be summoned to India.

Prior to this, Google Android was also subject to an anti-competition investigation by the European Union's anti-competition agency, the European Commission. The “crime” was bundled with Google Apps and services, and the European Commission issued a 4.3-million-dollar ticket. Google has appealed this penalty and has begun allowing users to set up non-Google products as the default open application within Android.