Italian competition watchdog opens data portability investigation into Google

The Google logo is seen during the gathering of startups and tech leaders, Viva Tech, in Paris, France, May 16, 2019. REUTERS/Charles Platiau

MILAN, July 14 (Reuters) – Italian competition authority AGCM said on Thursday it had opened an investigation against Google. (GOOGL.O) on alleged abuse of dominance in data portability.

The watchdog said in a statement that Google allegedly hindered interoperability with other platforms, particularly with Weople, an app from Italian operator Hoda.

“Google’s behavior could undermine the right to portability of personal data…and could limit the economic benefits that consumers can derive from their data,” the regulator said, adding that the alleged abuse could limit competition.

The competition regulator carried out inspections at Google’s premises on Wednesday with the Italian financial police, it said in a statement.

Google was not immediately available for comment.

Reporting by Elvira Pollina, editing by Giulia Segreti

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