Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tech & Science

Italy hits Apple, Google with antitrust fine

Italy’s antitrust watchdog imposed 20 million euros ($22.5 million) in fines on Apple and Google.

Tim Cook: The man who took Apple to the next level. © AFP
Tim Cook: The man who took Apple to the next level. © AFP

Italy’s antitrust watchdog imposed 20 million euros ($22.5 million) in fines on Apple and Google on Friday, the second time the regulator has sanctioned US tech giants this week.

European countries have cracked down on the business practices of Big Tech in recent years, while the EU is moving forward with legislation to tighten regulation.

The Italian competition authority said it fined Apple and Google 10 million euros each for violations of the consumer code, including failing to provide enough information to customers and resorting to “aggressive methods” in the use of their data for commercial ends.

“Neither Apple nor Google provided clear and immediate information on the acquisition and use of user data for commercial ends,” the statement said.

The regulator imposed a 200-million-euro fine on Apple and e-commerce giant Amazon earlier this week for restricting access for certain sellers of Apple products on Amazon.

Meanwhile, European Union member states on Thursday agreed their common position on two landmark legislations that could set unprecedented oversight on Big Tech.

AFP
Written By

With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

You may also like:

World

Medicinal cannabis is too important to ignore these issues. Someone needs to protect the people who need it.

Business

Global semiconductor chip giants will gather at Taiwan's top tech expo this week to showcase "the next frontier" for an industry dominated by AI.

Entertainment

Tony winner Brandon Victor Dixon chatted about his new music, and he recalled his time in "Hell's Kitchen" on Broadway.

Entertainment

This year's Cannes film festival has all the usual glitz and glamour but is also heavy on politics.