Italian Competition Regulators Slams Apple, Google With $11M Fine Each

Apple and Google have each received the penalty of a fine that is a little above $11 million (around €10 million). This fine was issued by The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) as a result of not properly obtaining a user’s consent before using their data for commercial purposes. Both technology conglomerates are being accused of not correctly informing users when their data will be used in this way, and also preventing customers from giving their informed consent.

A statement by the search engine –Google, has expressed deep disagreement with the Italian ruling and plans to appeal. Google spokesperson says “We give people simple controls to manage their information and limit the use of personal data, and we work hard to be fully compliant with the consumer protection rules.” Apple however didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.’

Within this week, this fine makes a second time Apple gets fined by the Italian regulators. Earlier in the week precisely on Tuesday, Apple and Amazon were hit with fines totaling about $225 million. Both tech firms were accused of restricting who’s allowed to sell Apple and Beats products on Amazon’s Italian store. A 2018 agreement between the two companies meant that only certain resellers are allowed to sell the products on Amazon, the regulator said, adding that this broke EU competition rules. Asides from the fine, both companies were told to end the restrictions.

Both Apple and Amazon have revealed plans to appeal fines levied by Italian authorities on Tuesday. Apple explains that agreements like these in the first place are put in place to assure customers that they are buying genuine products. Amazon has explained that the fine is “disproportionate and unjustified” and added that its deal with Apple came as beneficial to Italian customers who “can find the latest Apple and Beats products on our store,” and are “benefiting from a catalog that more than doubled, with better deals and faster shipping.”

Though the penalty figure is quite a number, however, this isn’t the first time fines like this are levied against global corporations Apple and Google. It is most likely that the $11 million penalties will not register on Apple or Google’s balance sheet as Apple was recently reported to have made $83.4 billion in revenue last quarter, while Google made $65.1 billion.