Italy’s AGCOM fines Google and Twitch

Shirley Pulis Xerxen December 14, 2023

SiGMA news

Italy’s AGCOM fines Google and Twitch

AGCOM, Italy’s Communications Regulatory Authority has fined Google Ireland Ltd. for €2.25 million and Twitch Interactive Germany GmbH for €900,000 for the violation of a ban on gambling advertising.

Following numerous reports received by the Authority, two separate procedures were initiated which revealed the presence of over 80 YouTube and Twitch channels containing more than 20,000 videos advertising slot machines, gambling, sports betting and scratch cards. In both proceedings, Google and Twitch were held liable as owners of platforms used by third parties and with which they had specific commercial partnership contracts. Following AGCOM’s intervention, all illegal content was removed and both platforms were ordered to prevent the upload of banned content.

AGCOM drops case against Tik Tok

In the same statement, AGCOM confirmed that it had closed proceedings against TikTok Technology Ltd., having noted the absence of a relationship contractual with the 30 content creators who uploaded the banned content.

Epic games prevails over Google

Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, has won in its highly publicized antitrust trial against Google. The trial accused Google’s Play app store of operating as an illegal monopoly. If the ruling is upheld, it could potentially disrupt the entire app store economy.

Jurors ruled in favour of Epic on all counts, finding Google guilty of suppressing competitors and imposing excessively high fees of up to 30% on app developers. In January, the court will determine appropriate remedies to address the issue. This outcome deals a significant blow to Google, which, along with Apple, operates one of the world’s largest app stores.

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