Google Hit by EU Court Ruling Over Android Auto Block

Alphabet's Google may have abused its market dominance by denying Enel’s e-mobility app access to its Android Auto platform, the European Court of Justice (CJEU) ruled on Tuesday, backing Italy's antitrust authority.

In 2021, Italy’s competition watchdog imposed a €102 million ($106.7 million) fine on Google for blocking Enel’s JuicePass app from Android Auto. The platform enables drivers to use navigation and messaging features on their car dashboards. Google had justified the restriction by citing security concerns and the lack of a dedicated app template.

Following Google's appeal, Italy's Council of State sought clarity from the CJEU, which has now ruled that a dominant company’s refusal to enable platform interoperability for third-party apps can be considered anti-competitive. However, the court acknowledged that companies could justify such refusals if allowing access compromises platform security or if no relevant app template exists. In such cases, the company must develop a template within a reasonable timeframe.

Google has since introduced the requested feature, stating that at the time of Enel’s request, the functionality was only relevant for 0.04% of cars in Italy. A company spokesperson emphasized that Google prioritizes innovation based on user demand rather than individual corporate requests.

The ruling, which is final and cannot be appealed, sets a precedent for dominant tech firms handling third-party app access. Italy's Council of State will now review Google's appeal in line with the CJEU’s guidance.

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