Italy: CJEU issued ruling in investigation into Google for abuse of dominance in operating systems market concerning third-party access to Android Auto platform

On 25 February 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a ruling in Case C-233/23 (Alphabet and Others), finding that Google’s refusal to ensure interoperability between its Android Auto platform and the JuicePass app developed by Enel could constitute an abuse of a dominant position under EU competition law. The CJEU held that such abuse is not limited to cases where the platform is indispensable to the app’s commercial operation but also applies where the platform enhances the app's attractiveness to consumers. While a refusal to grant interoperability may be objectively justified by security, integrity, or technical constraints, the CJEU emphasised that in the absence of such justification, the dominant undertaking must develop the necessary interoperability template within a reasonable timeframe, potentially in exchange for appropriate financial consideration. The ruling reinforces the obligations of dominant digital platforms to avoid anticompetitive conduct that could hinder market competition and consumer choice.