For some time now, we’ve seen many regulators begin to weigh in on major tech giants and their anti-competitive practices. And the latest app to take a hit appears to be Google Maps.
As per the view of the regulators, the tech giant monopoly firms need to realize the pressure that they are not the owners of the market and hence their every move is monitored.
While this is good news for customers, the pressure is on the major tech giants, whose business models are likely to suffer the most from this effort. And when we talk about the current or most recent investigation taking center stage, it pertains to the one by the Germans, who have some major problems with Google Maps.
A major German office has opened legal proceedings for its anti-competitive practices. He feels the firm has created a customized map tool that enables so many people to create a map of their choice through a variety of apps and sites. But they won’t let it work when it comes to using it with the regular Google Maps platform, acting as a major hurdle when using other tools for mapping.
This can include delivery apps, tracking apps, and even travel ones. Now, the German cartel office thinks this is a huge crime and is consistent with a non-competitive practice. Another similar issue is being raised against Android where its Automotive framework is being called.
Critics believe that Google is limiting other car makers from stepping into this line and using other services, which is highly unfair when you consider it.
For now, we know that the Germans are launching an investigation uncovering such concerns. And they also plan to take feedback from both customers and other visitors regarding their experiences in this regard.
Google isn’t done yet as more questions are being raised about its Google News snippets, which shore up some articles published by publishing houses promoting those that have links with the app.
Now, the app’s terms and conditions are being highlighted as to how it actually processes the data.
But it’s not just Google that may be feeling the heat. We can expect similar investigations to be attempted in the face of Meta, Apple, and even Amazon, which really means most of the tech market is being scrutinized.
If you thought Google was only being targeted globally, well, think again. A new investigation is also being conducted by the US DOJ to investigate any inappropriate behavior by officials.
h/t: Stadt-Bremerhaven
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