The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that Google’s refusal to allow Enel’s JuicePass app access to its Android Auto platform constitutes an abuse of its dominant market position, siding with Italy’s antitrust authority.
The decision, which is final and cannot be appealed, comes after the Italian watchdog fined Google 102 million euros in 2021 for blocking the e-mobility app - a tool designed to help drivers navigate and send messages safely while on the road.
Google had argued that its decision was based on security concerns and the absence of a clear template for refusing compatibility, contending that implementing interoperability would compromise the integrity of its platform. The company challenged the fine at the Italian Council of State, which subsequently sought guidance from the CJEU. Although Google has since enabled the requested feature, its stance during the dispute has raised broader questions about the responsibilities of dominant firms to ensure interoperability.
In its judgment, the CJEU noted, “A refusal by an undertaking in a dominant position to ensure that its platform is interoperable with an app of another undertaking, which thereby becomes more attractive, can be abusive.” However, the court also acknowledged that a company could justify its refusal if no standard template exists or if compatibility poses a security risk. In such cases, the dominant firm is expected to develop an appropriate template within a reasonable timeframe.
A Google spokesperson stated, “We prioritise building the features drivers need most because we believe that innovation should be driven by user demand, not specific companies' requests.” The spokesperson added that at the time of the request, the feature was relevant for only 0.04% of cars in Italy.
The ruling is expected to guide future actions by other dominant companies in similar situations. The Italian Council of State will now rule on Google’s appeal in line with the CJEU decision, as stakeholders across the technology and automotive sectors await further developments.
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Ukraine’s Air Force lost an F-16 fighter jet on Friday following an in-flight malfunction; the pilot ejected safely after diverting the aircraft from populated areas, and investigators say there’s no indication of Russian fire.
The United States has warned Vietnam that its \$123 billion trade deficit is “unsustainable” as both nations enter reciprocal tariff negotiations, prompting Hanoi to crack down on illicit transshipments and seek greater imports of U.S. high-tech goods.
In a high‑stakes May 18 runoff, nationalist George Simion and centrist Nicușor Dan clash in a tight race that could steer Romania’s political and European trajectory for years to come.
On May 19, London and Brussels are set to kick off their first annual summit, prioritizing a new UK–EU defense and security pact even as negotiations continue with Washington over tariff relief on British steel, cars and aerospace components.
Archer Aviation’s four‑seat “Midnight” electric air taxi will shuttle fans, VIPs and support teams between major LA28 venues—SoFi Stadium, the Coliseum, LAX and more—in 10–20 minute hops, marking the first use of eVTOLs at any Olympic Games.
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