The image is by Alex Castro.
The AGCM has announced that Apple and Google have each been fined 10 million for not obtaining a user's consent before using their data for commercial purposes. Both are accused of not telling users when their data will be used in this way, preventing them from giving their informed consent.
In a statement, the company said it disagrees with the ruling. We give people simple controls to manage their information and limit the use of personal data, and we work hard to be fully compliant with the consumer protection rules. A request for comment was not immediately responded to by Apple.
The fine will be appealed by the search engine company.
This is the second time this week that Apple has been fined by the Italian regulators, this time for restricting who can sell Apple products on Amazon. The EU competition rules were broken because of the agreement between the two companies, the regulator said. Both companies were told to end the restrictions after the fine.
Both Apple and Amazon said they would appeal the fines. Apple said that agreements like these are in place to make sure customers are buying genuine products. Amazon said the fine was disproportionate and unjust, and that its deal with Apple benefits Italian customers who can find the latest Apple and Beats products on its store.
Apple and Google do not have a 10 million penalty on their balance sheet. Last quarter, Apple made $83.4 billion in revenue, while Google made $65.1 billion.
Update, November 26th 7:30AM: The statement has been changed.
