Italy's antitrust agency fined Google and Apple 10 million euros each for misuse of user data.
Both Apple and Google have been deemed too aggressive in using their user data for commercial purposes, and this is the maximum fine that the agency can impose.
Both for Apple and Google, the amount of this fine is certainly not much compared to their income. In Q3 2021 alone Alphabet -- Google 's parent -- revenue reached USD 65.12 billion . Then Apple, whose revenue in Q4 of their 2021 fiscal year was USD 83.4 billion.
Authorities in Italy said the two tech giants did not provide clear information on how they collect and use user data for their services.
They also mention that whoever registers an account with Google, the system is deliberately designed in such a way that the terms and conditions will be approved by the user.
Meanwhile, in the case of Apple, users have no choice over these terms and conditions.
However, Apple and Google do not agree with the statement and decision of the Italian antitrust body. Both said they would appeal the decision.
"We provide all users with the best control and transparency in the industry, so they can choose what information to share and what not to share, and how that information is used," Apple wrote in a statement.
While Google says it follows fair and transparent practices to provide services that are useful to users, it also provides clear information for the use of the information collected.
