'Google Maps' is a new subject of investigation for antitrust violations
It has been reported that the US Department of Justice has begun investigating the 'Google Maps' map app, which is now used in various apps and services, on suspicion of antitrust violations. Regarding the violation of the Antimonopoly Act of Google Maps, there are two elements, 'in-vehicle system for automobile manufacturers' and 'requirements for developers'.
EXCLUSIVE-US probe of Google Maps picks up speed -sources | Reuters
Google's next US antitrust issue: Google Maps | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/03/googles-next-us-antitrust-issue-google-maps/
Reuters reports that the U.S. Department of Justice has begun investigating Google Maps on suspicion of antitrust violations, according to information from someone familiar with the matter. The focus this time is 'whether bundling Google Maps with other Google services is illegally suppressing competition'.
The Justice Department's investigation relates to two strategies adopted by Google Maps. The first factor is that Google Maps is bundled with other Google services in Android Automotive , an Android-based in-vehicle infotainment system provided by Google for automakers. Google Maps is also a very popular app for car navigation, but if a manufacturer adopts Google Maps on Android Automotive, they will also be required to use Google Play, Google Assistant, YouTube Music, and other Google car apps. And that. The Justice Department suspects that the mechanism for bundling Google Maps and other apps may unfairly suppress competition.
Reuters sources say automakers are being prevented from mixing Google Maps with 'voice assistants developed by smaller rivals other than Google.' Meanwhile, Google tells Reuters that the bundle of Google Maps and other Google apps is to provide the best user experience, and in some cases it is possible to have a rival voice assistant work with Google Maps. doing.
The second factor is that Google imposes restrictions on app and website developers when using Google Maps data. Looking at the '3.2.3 Restrictions Against Misusing the Services' clause in
In other words, creating navigation services using Google Maps data, combining Google Maps with voice synthesis services, and using Google Maps APIs on in-vehicle systems all compete with Google products. It is not allowed. Also, it is not allowed to combine Google Maps data with other mapping services, such as overlaying Google Maps street view images with map information from other mapping services, or mapping Google Maps content to other mappings. You cannot link to the content of the service. In a report published in 2020, the US Congress's Antitrust Subcommittee said that Google 'urges developers to choose between using all of Google's mapping services or not at all.' I'm pointing out.
Google has told Reuters that combining Google Maps data with other mapping services can lead to errors, and Google Maps policies are aimed at preventing the experience from deteriorating. He added that the policy is also affected by the restrictions imposed by partner companies on 'how Google can use data from other companies', and there are exceptions that other mapping services can be used in addition to Google Maps. I am.
However, the two developers who testified to Reuters on condition of anonymity claim that they received a violation notice from Google when they combined data from Google services with data from other mapping providers. The developers said that competing mapping services are sometimes cheaper than Google and have more information.
'Bundled products are not always illegal, but if such bundles do not benefit consumers, antitrust enforcement officers will intervene,' Reuters said. According to Reuters sources, there are no signs that the Justice Department investigators investigating Google Maps are recommending a lawsuit against antitrust law at the time of writing the article.
Related Posts:
in Web Service, Ride, Posted by log1h_ik