Google and Apple fined by Italy for lack of clarity about data collection

The Italian competition and market authority AGCM has fined Google and Apple EUR 10 million. According to the watchdog, the two tech companies have not been transparent enough about collecting consumer data, among other things.

The authority said on Friday that the two tech companies have not provided “clear and immediate information” about how they collect and use data from customers who use their services.

The watchdog cites as an example that when users set up their accounts with Google, the system is designed in such a way that the data usage terms are set to be automatically accepted. Relevant information about this setting is not clearly stated when creating a Google account, according to the ACGM.

Apple doesn’t give that choice at all. The user cannot choose to what extent his data may be used by Apple for commercial purposes, the authority says.

The AGCM concludes that users’ data is being used by Google and Apple to improve their services, without users being properly informed or paid for. According to the authority, this is punishable. The fine is the maximum amount that the market authority can impose in these cases.

It is the second time in a short time that Apple has been fined by the ACGM. Earlier this week, the company was fined €134.5 million for harming independent sellers. Only a limited number of sellers were allowed to sell Apple and Beats products through Amazon, which the Italian watchdog says is illegal. Amazon has also been fined for this and has to pay 68.7 million euros.