Apple, Google Fined €10 Million Each by Italy’s Competition and Market Authority

Italy’s competition and market authority (AGCM) has fined Apple and Google €10 million each for not providing their users with clear enough information on commercial uses of their data, TechCrunch is reporting.

The authority found the practice to be in violation of the country’s consumer code, while accusing the two tech giants of using “aggressive practices to push users to accept the commercial processing.” Both Apple and Google are preparing to appeal the ACGM’s decision.

According to the regulator, Google omitted relevant information at the account creation phase, whereas Apple failed to provide users with adequate information on how it uses their information when they create an Apple ID or access the App Store.

Apple has issued the following statement rejecting the ACGM’s finding:

“We believe the Authority’s view is wrong and will be appealing the decision. Apple has a long-standing commitment to the privacy of our users and we work incredibly hard to design products and features that protect customer data. We provide industry-leading transparency and control to all users so they can choose what information to share or not, and how it is used.”

More details regarding the ACGM’s decisions can be found here.