Italy: Issued ruling imposing a fine regarding AGCOM investigation into Google for violating the provisions of Article 9 of Dignity Decree

On 1 March 2024, the Italian Authority for Communications Guarantees (AGCOM) fined Google Ireland Limited EUR 750'000 for violating the provisions of Article 9, paragraph 1, of Decree Law No. 87 of 12 July 2018 (converted into Law No. 96 on 9 August 2018), commonly known as the "Dignity Decree", by allowing gambling advertisements on its YouTube platform. This decision emphasises the importance of protecting consumers, especially minors, from exposure to gambling content. Google's claims regarding jurisdiction, the applicability of laws, and its role as merely a hosting provider were rejected, highlighting its active participation in content monetisation and promotion. In addition, AGCOM mandated the removal of specific violating content from YouTube.