Google has violated antitrust law by spending billions of dollars to construct an illegal monopoly and become the world's default search engine, a US judge ruled on Monday (Aug 8).

This marked the first significant victory for federal authorities in challenging Big Tech's market dominance.

The ruling sets the stage for a second trial to determine potential remedies, which might include breaking up Google's parent company, Alphabet (GOOGL.O), and possibly reshaping the online advertising landscape that Google has dominated for years.

It also signals approval for aggressive US antitrust enforcers to take legal action against Big Tech, a sector that has been under fire from across the political spectrum.&nbsp;

"The court reaches the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly," US&nbsp;District Judge Amit Mehta, Washington, DC, wrote.&nbsp;

Notably, Google controls about 90% of the online search market and 95% of smartphones.

This phase could be long, followed by possible appeals to the US Court of Appeals, the District of Columbia Circuit and the US Supreme Court. The legal power struggle could play out into next year, or even 2026.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tech-stocks-plunge-amid-us-recession-fears-747465">Tech stocks plunge amid US recession fears</a>

It may be mentioned here, that shares of Alphabet fell 4.5% on Monday amid a wide decline in tech shares as the wider stock market cratered on recession fears. Google advertising was 77% of Alphabet's total sales in 2023.

While Alphabet said it is planning to appeal Mehta's ruling. "This decision recognises that Google proposes the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldn’t be allowed to make it easily available," Google said in a statement.

Calling the ruling a historic win for the American people, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said that "no company - no matter how large or influential - is above the law."

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the "pro-competition ruling is a victory for the American people and Americans deserve an internet that is free, fair, and open for competition."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/elon-musk-revives-lawsuit-against-openai-and-ceo-sam-altman-747463">Elon Musk revives lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman</a>

The ruling marks the first significant decision in a series of cases challenging alleged monopolies in Big Tech. This particular case, initiated by the Trump administration, was presented before a judge from September to November of last year.

In the past four years, federal antitrust regulators have also sued Meta Platforms META.O, Amazon.com AMZN.O and Apple AAPL.O, claiming the companies have illegally maintained monopolies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Google has violated antitrust law by spending billions of dollars to construct an illegal monopoly and become the world's default search engine, a US judge ruled on Monday (Aug 8).

Google has violated antitrust law by spending billions of dollars to construct an illegal monopoly and become the world's default search engine, a US judge ruled on Monday (Aug 8). This marked the first significant victory for federal authorities in challenging Big Tech's market dominance. The ruling sets the stage for a second trial to determine potential remedies, which might include breaking up Google's parent company, Alphabet (GOOGL.O), and possibly reshaping the online advertising landscape that Google has dominated for years. It also signals approval for aggressive US antitrust enforcers to take legal action against Big Tech, a sector that has been under fire from across the political spectrum. "The court reaches the following conclusion: Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly," US District Judge Amit Mehta, Washington, DC, wrote. Notably, Google controls about 90% of the online search market and 95% of smartphones. This phase could be long, followed by possible appeals to the US Court of Appeals, the District of Columbia Circuit and the US Supreme Court. The legal power struggle could play out into next year, or even 2026. Also read: Tech stocks plunge amid US recession fears It may be mentioned here, that shares of Alphabet fell 4.5% on Monday amid a wide decline in tech shares as the wider stock market cratered on recession fears. Google advertising was 77% of Alphabet's total sales in 2023. While Alphabet said it is planning to appeal Mehta's ruling. "This decision recognises that Google proposes the best search engine, but concludes that we shouldn’t be allowed to make it easily available," Google said in a statement. Calling the ruling a historic win for the American people, US Attorney General Merrick Garland said that "no company - no matter how large or influential - is above the law." White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the "pro-competition ruling is a victory for the American people and Americans deserve an internet that is free, fair, and open for competition." Also read: Elon Musk revives lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman The ruling marks the first significant decision in a series of cases challenging alleged monopolies in Big Tech. This particular case, initiated by the Trump administration, was presented before a judge from September to November of last year. In the past four years, federal antitrust regulators have also sued Meta Platforms META.O, Amazon.com AMZN.O and Apple AAPL.O, claiming the companies have illegally maintained monopolies. (With inputs from agencies)

Google holds illegal monopoly in search, says US judge

Fortnite maker Epic Games has won&nbsp;its high-profile antitrust trial against Alphabet's Google. On Monday, the Jury in the case decided that Google wields an illegal monopoly through its Play app store. Google said that it would appeal. However, the ruling could upend the entire app store economy if it holds.

<h2>The case</h2>

Back in 2020, Epic sued both Google and Apple. It accused the tech titans of abusing their control of the Play Store and App Store, their respective online shops for selling apps.

It also accused Google of taking action to quash competitors and charging unduly high "tax" fees of up to 30 per cent to app developers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-to-determine-if-the-person-watching-porn-is-too-young-heres-how-667162">AI to determine if the person watching porn is too young. Here's how</a>

As per Reuters, among the more sensational allegations was that&nbsp;to conceal its anti-competitive behaviour, Google had a system for deleting texts and internal messages.&nbsp;

Jurors found Google guilty of various illegal strategies to maintain its app store monopoly on Android phones.

If the ruling holds, it has the potential to give developers more sway over how their apps are distributed and how they profit from them.

<h2>Google to Appeal&nbsp;</h2>

The ruling marks a stunning, albeit rare, defeat for Google, which alongside Apple operates one of the world's largest app stores.&nbsp;

Following it, Google said that it would seek rectification via an appeal.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/taken-our-time-to-get-this-right-meta-to-roll-out-end-to-end-encryption-for-facebook-and-instagram-667011">'Taken our time to get this right': Meta to roll out end-to-end encryption for Facebook &amp; Instagram</a>

"We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem," said Wilson White, vice president of government affairs and public policy at Google.

Google has denied any wrongdoing. The company argued that it competes "intensely on price, quality, and security" against Apple's App Store.

Watch |&nbsp;Google and Epic Games face off at trial over Play Store rules

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<h2>Proof of Google's 'illegal' practices</h2>

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the ruling on the social media site X.

In a statement on its website, Epic said that the verdict "proves that Google's app store practices are illegal, and they abuse their monopoly to extract exorbitant fees, stifle competition and reduce innovation."

Epic's similar antitrust case against Apple failed in September 2021, when a US judge largely ruled in favour of the iPhone maker.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fortnite maker Epic Games has won its high-profile antitrust trial against Alphabet's Google. On Monday, the Jury in the case decided that Google wields an illegal monopoly through its Play app store.

Fortnite maker Epic Games has won its high-profile antitrust trial against Alphabet's Google. On Monday, the Jury in the case decided that Google wields an illegal monopoly through its Play app store. Google said that it would appeal. However, the ruling could upend the entire app store economy if it holds. The case Back in 2020, Epic sued both Google and Apple. It accused the tech titans of abusing their control of the Play Store and App Store, their respective online shops for selling apps. It also accused Google of taking action to quash competitors and charging unduly high "tax" fees of up to 30 per cent to app developers. Also read | AI to determine if the person watching porn is too young. Here's how As per Reuters, among the more sensational allegations was that to conceal its anti-competitive behaviour, Google had a system for deleting texts and internal messages. Jurors found Google guilty of various illegal strategies to maintain its app store monopoly on Android phones. If the ruling holds, it has the potential to give developers more sway over how their apps are distributed and how they profit from them. Google to Appeal The ruling marks a stunning, albeit rare, defeat for Google, which alongside Apple operates one of the world's largest app stores. Following it, Google said that it would seek rectification via an appeal. Also read | 'Taken our time to get this right': Meta to roll out end-to-end encryption for Facebook & Instagram "We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem," said Wilson White, vice president of government affairs and public policy at Google. Google has denied any wrongdoing. The company argued that it competes "intensely on price, quality, and security" against Apple's App Store. Watch | Google and Epic Games face off at trial over Play Store rules Proof of Google's 'illegal' practices Epic CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the ruling on the social media site X. In a statement on its website, Epic said that the verdict "proves that Google's app store practices are illegal, and they abuse their monopoly to extract exorbitant fees, stifle competition and reduce innovation." Epic's similar antitrust case against Apple failed in September 2021, when a US judge largely ruled in favour of the iPhone maker. (With inputs from agencies)

Epic Games' 'epic' win: Jury finds Google guilty of monopolistic practices in antitrust trial

A day after India's top court refused to block an antitrust watchdog ruling against Alphabet-owned Google, the company has made key changes in its rulebook that include removing restrictions on smartphone makers related to pre-installation of apps. Google will no longer have exclusivity to web search in the world's second largest smartphone market.&nbsp;

Google rulebook overhaul: What will change for India's Android users?

Alphabet-owned Google will now prompt Android smartphone users in India to choose their own search engine while setting up a new smartphone. Until Wednesday, this wasn't the case. Nearly all Android smartphones had Google as the default search engine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/google-to-cooperate-with-india-antitrust-watchdog-after-android-ruling-554611">Google to cooperate with India antitrust watchdog after Android ruling</a>

This means that while setting up the smartphone, a user will have the freedom to choose its default search engine other than Google, such as Bing or DuckDuckGo. 
 
Smartphone makers will now be able to build approved, forked versions of Android, clearing the path for India's home-grown smartphone operating system, BharOS.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-google-loses-anti-trust-battle-in-india-554600">Gravitas: Google loses anti-trust battle in India</a>

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Google said that it will now allow smartphone makers "licence individual Google apps" to preinstall on their devices. This means that it will now depend on the smartphone-maker which Google apps will be pre-installed in the smartphone.&nbsp;

What changes for smartphone makers?

The cost of a smartphone, in-part, depends on the number of applications it is equipped with on a pre-installed basis. This means that if a smartphone-maker wants to launch a super affordable device, it can do so by reducing the number of Alphabet-owned applications.&nbsp; 
Other than this, Google is already letting users in India choose a billing system other than Google Play when making in-app purchases. This way, the app and game developers will get a larger share of their profits.

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A day after India's top court refused to block an antitrust watchdog ruling against Alphabet-owned Google, the company has made key changes in its rulebook that include removing restrictions on smartphone makers related to pre-installation of apps.

A day after India's top court refused to block an antitrust watchdog ruling against Alphabet-owned Google, the company has made key changes in its rulebook that include removing restrictions on smartphone makers related to pre-installation of apps. Google will no longer have exclusivity to web search in the world's second largest smartphone market. Google rulebook overhaul: What will change for India's Android users? Alphabet-owned Google will now prompt Android smartphone users in India to choose their own search engine while setting up a new smartphone. Until Wednesday, this wasn't the case. Nearly all Android smartphones had Google as the default search engine. ALSO READ | Google to cooperate with India antitrust watchdog after Android ruling This means that while setting up the smartphone, a user will have the freedom to choose its default search engine other than Google, such as Bing or DuckDuckGo. Smartphone makers will now be able to build approved, forked versions of Android, clearing the path for India's home-grown smartphone operating system, BharOS. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Google loses anti-trust battle in India × Google said that it will now allow smartphone makers "licence individual Google apps" to preinstall on their devices. This means that it will now depend on the smartphone-maker which Google apps will be pre-installed in the smartphone. What changes for smartphone makers? The cost of a smartphone, in-part, depends on the number of applications it is equipped with on a pre-installed basis. This means that if a smartphone-maker wants to launch a super affordable device, it can do so by reducing the number of Alphabet-owned applications. Other than this, Google is already letting users in India choose a billing system other than Google Play when making in-app purchases. This way, the app and game developers will get a larger share of their profits. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Google policy overhaul: India's smartphone makers, Android users get better control

Google said on Friday (January 20) that it will cooperate with India's competition authority after Supreme Court&nbsp;of the country in its ruling upheld the stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform in a key growth market.&nbsp;The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had in its ruling&nbsp;in October said that Google exploited its dominant position and told it to remove restrictions on Android device makers, including those related to pre-installation of apps and ensuring exclusivity of its search. It also imposed a fine of $161 million on Google.&nbsp;Fine was also imposed on the company for abusing its power through Play Store.&nbsp;

After the order, Google warned that Android phones will become more expensive in India because of the CCI ruling and also pose security threats to users.&nbsp;

The issue reached the Supreme Court of India which upheld stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform.&nbsp;

CCI had asked the tech giant to change restrictions imposed on smartphone makers related to pre-installing apps as the tech company licences its Android system to smartphone makers.&nbsp;

Experts argued that Google's imposition of restrictions like&nbsp;mandatory pre-installation of its apps is anti-competitive.&nbsp;

Google lost a challenge in the court on Thursday to block the CCI directives, getting seven days to comply. The move will force the company to make changes to how it strikes agreements with device makers who use its free, open-source Android platform.&nbsp;

A Google spokesperson said in a statement to the news agency Reuters: "We remain committed to our users and partners and will cooperate with the CCI on the way forward."&nbsp;

"We are reviewing the details of yesterday's decision which is limited to interim relief and did not decide the merits of our appeal," it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Google said on Friday (January 20) that it will cooperate with India's competition authority after Supreme Court of the country in its ruling upheld the stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform in a key growth market.

Google said on Friday (January 20) that it will cooperate with India's competition authority after Supreme Court of the country in its ruling upheld the stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform in a key growth market. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had in its ruling in October said that Google exploited its dominant position and told it to remove restrictions on Android device makers, including those related to pre-installation of apps and ensuring exclusivity of its search. It also imposed a fine of $161 million on Google. Fine was also imposed on the company for abusing its power through Play Store. After the order, Google warned that Android phones will become more expensive in India because of the CCI ruling and also pose security threats to users. The issue reached the Supreme Court of India which upheld stringent antitrust directives forcing the US firm to change how it markets its popular Android platform. CCI had asked the tech giant to change restrictions imposed on smartphone makers related to pre-installing apps as the tech company licences its Android system to smartphone makers. Experts argued that Google's imposition of restrictions like mandatory pre-installation of its apps is anti-competitive. Google lost a challenge in the court on Thursday to block the CCI directives, getting seven days to comply. The move will force the company to make changes to how it strikes agreements with device makers who use its free, open-source Android platform. A Google spokesperson said in a statement to the news agency Reuters: "We remain committed to our users and partners and will cooperate with the CCI on the way forward." "We are reviewing the details of yesterday's decision which is limited to interim relief and did not decide the merits of our appeal," it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Google to cooperate with India antitrust watchdog after Android ruling

The EU launched a wide-ranging antitrust probe against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/google">Google</a> Tuesday over concerns that it is using its technology to keep out rivals in the lucrative online advertising market.

The case opens yet another front by the European Commission against the search engine giant, which has already received eight billion euros ($9 billion) in fines for its anti-competitive practices.

The investigation will "assess whether Google has violated EU competition rules by favouring its own online display advertising technology services", a statement from the EU executive said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eu-top-court-hands-win-to-youtube-in-user-copyright-fight-393109" hreflang="en">EU top court hands win to YouTube in user copyright fight</a>

The probe narrows in on an important component of Google's profit-making machine: more than 80 percent of the giant's revenue in 2020 came from advertising, or $147 billion.

"We are concerned that Google has made it harder for rival online advertising services to compete" in display ad technology, said EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager.

At issue is Google's largely unnoticed, but highly dominant technologies that serve as an intermediary or broker between advertisers and publishers online.

Google owned technologies include services such as AdX, Doubleclick or AdSense that power much of the EU’s display advertising market for web pages and apps, which the commission estimated to be worth about 20 billion euros in 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-ends-unlimited-free-photo-storage-here-are-alternatives-for-you-with-pricing-390114" hreflang="en">Google ends unlimited free photo storage: Here are alternatives for you with pricing</a>

The business was at the heart of a recent case in France -- brought by News Corp, French daily Le Figaro and Belgium's Groupe Rossel -- that saw Google fined 220 million euros ($267 million).

It is also central to blockbuster cases in the US where state prosecutors accuse the company of rigging the ad-tech market and snuffing out rivals.

As in the other cases, the EU will try to determine whether Google gave preferential treatment to its own ad inventory technologies AdX and Doubleclick, but will also look at other aspects of the ad-tech business.

Crucially, the probe will also look into Google's announced plans to prohibit the placement of third party "cookies" on its Chrome browser, a move that has angered some publishers and advertisers.

Critics fear that the project -- known as the "Privacy Sandbox" -- will only increase Google's dominance since the giant holds mountains of data on consumer behavior that will be denied to others.

The probe will also look into ads on Youtube, Google's video platform, and whether advertisers there are forced to channel their business through Google's ad technology.

'Benefits'

A Google spokesperson said the company "will continue to engage constructively with the European Commission to answer their questions and demonstrate the benefits of our products to European businesses and consumers."

The in-depth look into Google's online ad-tech is not unexpected as it follows a broader inquest launched in 2019.

The investigation comes as the EU is preparing new laws to better oversee tech giants by giving them special "gatekeeper" rules that would more tightly regulate how they can operate, but those will not be implemented for years.

There is no time limit on the investigation, which could lead to formal accusations, fines or an order that Google change its market behaviour.

The EU launched a wide-ranging antitrust probe against Google Tuesday over concerns that it is using its technology to keep out rivals in the lucrative online advertising market.

The EU launched a wide-ranging antitrust probe against Google Tuesday over concerns that it is using its technology to keep out rivals in the lucrative online advertising market. The case opens yet another front by the European Commission against the search engine giant, which has already received eight billion euros ($9 billion) in fines for its anti-competitive practices. The investigation will "assess whether Google has violated EU competition rules by favouring its own online display advertising technology services", a statement from the EU executive said. Also read | EU top court hands win to YouTube in user copyright fight The probe narrows in on an important component of Google's profit-making machine: more than 80 percent of the giant's revenue in 2020 came from advertising, or $147 billion. "We are concerned that Google has made it harder for rival online advertising services to compete" in display ad technology, said EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager. At issue is Google's largely unnoticed, but highly dominant technologies that serve as an intermediary or broker between advertisers and publishers online. Google owned technologies include services such as AdX, Doubleclick or AdSense that power much of the EU’s display advertising market for web pages and apps, which the commission estimated to be worth about 20 billion euros in 2019. Also read | Google ends unlimited free photo storage: Here are alternatives for you with pricing The business was at the heart of a recent case in France -- brought by News Corp, French daily Le Figaro and Belgium's Groupe Rossel -- that saw Google fined 220 million euros ($267 million). It is also central to blockbuster cases in the US where state prosecutors accuse the company of rigging the ad-tech market and snuffing out rivals. As in the other cases, the EU will try to determine whether Google gave preferential treatment to its own ad inventory technologies AdX and Doubleclick, but will also look at other aspects of the ad-tech business. Crucially, the probe will also look into Google's announced plans to prohibit the placement of third party "cookies" on its Chrome browser, a move that has angered some publishers and advertisers. Critics fear that the project -- known as the "Privacy Sandbox" -- will only increase Google's dominance since the giant holds mountains of data on consumer behavior that will be denied to others. The probe will also look into ads on Youtube, Google's video platform, and whether advertisers there are forced to channel their business through Google's ad technology. 'Benefits' A Google spokesperson said the company "will continue to engage constructively with the European Commission to answer their questions and demonstrate the benefits of our products to European businesses and consumers." The in-depth look into Google's online ad-tech is not unexpected as it follows a broader inquest launched in 2019. The investigation comes as the EU is preparing new laws to better oversee tech giants by giving them special "gatekeeper" rules that would more tightly regulate how they can operate, but those will not be implemented for years. There is no time limit on the investigation, which could lead to formal accusations, fines or an order that Google change its market behaviour.

EU launches antitrust probe against Google over online ads

Germany’s antitrust watchdog on Tuesday launched an investigation into Google.

As part of this probe, the watchdog will assess whether Google Germany, Google Ireland and Alphabet, its parent company, are currently exploiting their market dominance.

The watchdog office announced on Tuesday that it will observe whether the global technology giant offers enough choice to its users on how their data is used by the company.

Big Tech companies are facing increased scrutiny across the globe as questions arise over how the company uses its market position and what it means for competitors.&nbsp;

On May 13, Italy's anti-trust authority fined Google over $120 million (100 million euros) for shutting out a rival’s mobile application which offered recharging for electric vehicles.

The Italian authority said that Google had abused its market position by blocking an application by Enel X for owners of electric vehicles.&nbsp;Google’s Android operating system's Google Play marketplace dominates the Italian market.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/now-password-protect-google-page-that-reflects-your-searches-387203" hreflang="en">Now password-protect Google page that reflects your searches</a>

In addition, the regulator had said that now Google would be required to make Enel X’s application available on Android Auto, which essentially mirrors the features of an Android smartphone on a dashboard screen in cars.

The fine was imposed for violation of article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The article regulates monopolies and observes restriction of competition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/technology/google-to-count-high-quality-photos-videos-in-free-15gb-quota-387202" hreflang="en">Google to count high-quality photos, videos in free 15GB quota</a>

"By refusing Enel X Italia interoperability with Android Auto, Google has unfairly limited the possibilities for end users to avail themselves of the Enel X Italia app when driving and recharging an electric vehicle," the Italian authority was cited as saying by AFP."The exclusion of the Enel X Italia app from Android Auto has been going on for more than two years, and if it were to continue, could permanently jeopardise Enel X Italia's chances of building a solid user base at a time of significant growth in sales of electric vehicles”, it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Germany’s antitrust watchdog on Tuesday launched an investigation into Google. As part of this probe, the watchdog will assess whether Google Germany, Google Ireland and Alphabet, its parent company, are currently exploiting their market dominance.

Germany’s antitrust watchdog on Tuesday launched an investigation into Google. As part of this probe, the watchdog will assess whether Google Germany, Google Ireland and Alphabet, its parent company, are currently exploiting their market dominance. The watchdog office announced on Tuesday that it will observe whether the global technology giant offers enough choice to its users on how their data is used by the company. Big Tech companies are facing increased scrutiny across the globe as questions arise over how the company uses its market position and what it means for competitors. On May 13, Italy's anti-trust authority fined Google over $120 million (100 million euros) for shutting out a rival’s mobile application which offered recharging for electric vehicles. The Italian authority said that Google had abused its market position by blocking an application by Enel X for owners of electric vehicles. Google’s Android operating system's Google Play marketplace dominates the Italian market. Also read: Now password-protect Google page that reflects your searches In addition, the regulator had said that now Google would be required to make Enel X’s application available on Android Auto, which essentially mirrors the features of an Android smartphone on a dashboard screen in cars. The fine was imposed for violation of article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The article regulates monopolies and observes restriction of competition. Also read: Google to count high-quality photos, videos in free 15GB quota "By refusing Enel X Italia interoperability with Android Auto, Google has unfairly limited the possibilities for end users to avail themselves of the Enel X Italia app when driving and recharging an electric vehicle," the Italian authority was cited as saying by AFP."The exclusion of the Enel X Italia app from Android Auto has been going on for more than two years, and if it were to continue, could permanently jeopardise Enel X Italia's chances of building a solid user base at a time of significant growth in sales of electric vehicles”, it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany launches antitrust probe against Google