Google Loses EU Court Battle Over Android Auto Antitrust Case

Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) has lost a legal battle against Italy’s antitrust authority after the European Union's top court ruled that the tech giant abused its market power by blocking Enel’s (BIT: ENEI) e-mobility app, JuicePass, from Android Auto.

Italy’s competition watchdog fined Google €102 million ($106.7 million) in 2021 for restricting JuicePass, an app that enables electric vehicle drivers to locate and access charging stations. Google had cited security concerns and the absence of a suitable app template as reasons for denying access.

Following Google’s appeal, Italy’s Council of State sought clarification from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which has now sided with the Italian regulator. The court ruled that refusing interoperability to a competing app can be an abuse of dominance unless a legitimate security or technical reason exists. If no such reason is found, the dominant company must develop a necessary template within a reasonable timeframe.

Although Google has since resolved the issue, the ruling establishes a precedent for future cases involving tech giants and platform access restrictions. The decision is final, meaning Google cannot appeal further. Italy’s Council of State will now rule on Google’s appeal in alignment with the CJEU’s judgment.

This case marks another regulatory setback for Google in Europe, where authorities have increased scrutiny on Big Tech’s market practices.