Alphabet unit Google's refusal to let an Enel e-mobility app access its Android Auto platform can be considered an abuse of its market power, Europe's top court said on Tuesday in a ruling that could force Big Tech to make it easier for rivals to operate on their platforms.

Europe's top court has weighed in to clarify the rules around interoperability requirements on Big Tech in a referral on a case related to Google's

EU Court of Justice judges said that Google’s refusal to let Enel host an EV charging app on its platform might break EU competition rules.

By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Alphabet unit Google's refusal to allow an e-mobility app developed by Enel access to its Android Auto platform can be considered an abuse of its market power, Europe's top court said on Tuesday as it sided with Italy's antitrust authority.

The ECJ classifies Google's refusal to grant third parties access to Android Auto as potentially abusive. The system must be interoperable.

The Italian Competition Authority fined Google’s parent company Alphabet over $113 million in 2021 for blocking an app that helps drivers find electric charging stations, finding the company abused its market dominance.

Europe's top court on Tuesday sided with Italy's antitrust authority which fined Alphabet unit Google four years ago for refusing to allow an e-mobility app developed by Enel access to its Android Auto platform.