Rome: Italy’s antitrust agency announced on Thursday it has initiated an investigation into Google and its parent company Alphabet regarding alleged unfair commercial practices related to users’ personal data.
The watchdog expressed concern that Google’s consent request for connecting its various services “could constitute misleading and aggressive commercial practice.” According to the authority overseeing consumer rights, the information provided to users is “incomplete and misleading,” failing to clarify how their consent impacts the use of personal data.
Google’s array of online tools, including YouTube, Gmail, and Maps, were highlighted by the antitrust body as platforms affected by these practices. The agency criticized Google for potentially limiting users’ freedom of choice by encouraging combined usage of personal data across its services.
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“We will analyze the details of this case and will work cooperatively with the authority,” stated a spokesperson from Google in response to the investigation.
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Companies found violating consumer rights in Italy face fines ranging from €5,000 to €10 million under current legislation.
