EU Court Rules on Big Tech Interoperability: Android Auto Case Sets Precedent
The European Court of Justice (CJEU) has clarified rules on interoperability for dominant tech companies, stemming from a case involving Google's Android Auto and energy company Enel X Italia. Italy fined Google €100 million for blocking Enel's charging app integration. Google argued this was for driver safety, despite allowing thousands of other apps. The CJEU upheld the fine, confirming that refusing interoperability in a dominant market position can be an antitrust violation, even if the platform isn't essential to the app's operation. The ruling outlines exceptions: lack of templates, security concerns, technical impossibility. If none apply, interoperability must be granted within a reasonable timeframe, potentially with financial compensation for the app developer. Google expressed disappointment, prioritizing features based on user demand, not individual requests. While the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) addresses interoperability, it only applies to designated gatekeepers and core platform services. This ruling highlights that interoperability requirements can extend beyond the DMA’s scope, impacting market leaders across the EU.
Source: TechCrunch