Italy’s Antitrust Authority Hits Apple and Google with $11.2 million over Data Use

On Tuesday, we reported that Italy’s antitrust authorities slammed a fine of more than 200 million euros (US$225 million) on tech giants Amazon and Apple for ill practices in the sale of Apple and Beat products. Apple is in the news again over fine related matters yet not alone as Italy’s antitrust body has hit Apple and Alphabet’s Google with a fine of 10 million euros ($11.2 million) over what it calls “aggressive practices” connected this time around to the commercial use of user data.

The Italian regulatory body in a statement said that the two tech giants failed to provide “clear and immediate information” on how they collect and use the data of those who access their services, according to Reuters.

Both companies have come out to say that they would appeal the antitrust body’s decision.

The regulatory body claimed that Google had set up its system in such a way that when users set up their accounts, the terms and conditions on data usage were designed to be accepted.

For Apple, the watchdog said that users do not have a choice on the issue.

Apple in a statement said, “We provide industry-leading transparency and control to all users, so they can choose what information to share or not, and how it’s used.”

Google said in a statement it followed “fair and transparent practices to provide users with useful services, as well as provide clear information on their use”.

The regulator noted that the fine is the highest it can give over cases like this.