The Refusal to Allow Interoperability Between Android Auto and Third-Party Apps – A Deep Dive into Enel X Italia v. Google

With vehicles gradually becoming more equipped with advanced features and telemetry, the demand for applications suitable for in-vehicle use is also increasing. To cater to these demands, Google created Android Auto. As an extension of the well-known Android operating system, Android Auto enables consumers to use certain apps while driving. In Enel X Italia v. Google, Google’s conduct of refusing to allow interoperability between Android Auto and a third-party app is under scrutiny. Given Google’s unique position on the market as a gatekeeper between application developers and end users, the exclusion of a third-party app from the automotive application platform was eventually qualified as a refusal to deal in contravention of Art. 102 TFEU.