The Italian Competition Authority fines a Big Tech company for abusively locking a SatNav rival out of their app store (Google / Enel X)

By a decision handed down in the Google/Enel X case [1], the Italian Competition Authority (ICA) has fined Alphabet Inc., Google LLC and Google Italy Srl (hereinafter Google) for infringing Article 102 TFEU. Google bused its dominant position because not allowing the release of JuicePass, an app developed by Enel X for the recharge of electric vehicles (EV), on its proprietary platform, Android Auto. Facts of the case Android Auto is an extension of Google’s Android that allows motorists to use apps while they are driving via the infotainment system of cars in compliance with safety and distraction-reduction requirements. Only apps that are developed according to pre-defined models (templates), are expressly verified (custom apps) or are used via vocal commands (Actions-on-Google)