国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Italy opens competition probe into Google in face off with Italian utility En_时事

国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Italy opens competition probe into Google in face off with Italian utility En

"The antitrust probe is to determine whether Google is prohibiting Enel's access to the is Android Auto app for legitimate reasons, or whether it is using the strength of the Android operating system to limit Enel," Rocco Panetta, an antitrust specialist and founder of Panetta & Associati, a law firm, said in an interview.

The Italian media speculated that the connection could be Google's own ambitions regarding driverless cars.

In a statement, Google denied wrongdoing. The company said that the Android Auto app "is designed with safety in mind, to minimize distractions and to ensure apps can be used safely when driving. We are reviewing the complaint and look forward to working with the authority to resolve their concerns."

Panetta said that if it is determined that Google's move to prevent Enel X Recharge from integrating with the Android Auto app is ruled to be an abuse of Google's dominant position in the smart phone market, the regulator could take one of two paths: fining the company or simply requiring it to allow the Enel X Recharge app to integrate with the Android Auto app.

Panetta said the fight between the two companies could escalate: "In terms of brand awareness, it may seem like a giant company like Google would have an unfair advantage over Enel, but make no mistake: these are both huge companies with deep pockets."

According to the "Fortune Magazine" ranking of the world's largest companies by revenue, Google parent Alphabet is the world's 52nd largest company with annual revenue last year of 111 billion U.S. dollars, while Enel is 83rd with 84 billion U.S. dollars in revenue in 2018.