Proceeding against Google for possible anti-competitive restrictions of map services (Google Maps Platform)

The Bundeskartellamt has initiated a proceeding against Google Germany GmbH, Hamburg and Alphabet Inc., Mountain View, USA. The proceeding is to examine possible anti-competitive restrictions imposed by Google Maps Platform to the detriment of alternative map services providers.

The proceeding is largely based on the new competencies the Bundeskartellamt received as part of the extended abuse control rules regarding large digital companies which were introduced early last year (Section 19a German Competition Act - GWB). In a two-step procedure the authority can prohibit companies of paramount significance for competition across markets from engaging in anti-competitive practices. The Bundeskartellamt determined late last year that Google / Alphabet is of such significance (see press release of 5 January 2022). Parallel proceedings are already ongoing to examine Google’s terms and conditions for data processing (see Press release of 25 May 2021) and its news offer Google News Showcase (see Press release of 4 June 2021 and 12 January 2022).

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt: “As a company of paramount significance for competition across markets, Google is subject to stricter abuse control. We have information to suggest that Google may be restricting the combination of its own map services with third-party map services, for example when it comes to embedding Google Maps location data, the search function or Google Street View into maps not provided by Google. Among other aspects, we will now examine whether this practice could allow Google to further expand its position of power regarding certain map services. We will also look into the licencing terms and conditions for the use of Google’s map services in vehicles. Based on Section 19a GWB we are also conducting or have already concluded further proceedings against Google and other large digital companies like Apple, Amazon and Meta/Facebook.”

Google Maps Platform offers access to several map services. Applications of these services include embedding the maps into third-party websites, for example to show the locations of shops or hotels. The preliminary assessment is that Google restricts in particular the possibility to combine Google’s map services with third-party maps. This practice could impair competition in the area of map services. The fact that Google makes the use of its services in vehicle infotainment systems subject to very strict terms of use applicable to its "Google Automotive Services" could restrict competition even further.

Customers and competitors of the Google Maps Platform will be interviewed as part of the investigations.

Background information: Section 19a GWB

In January 2021, the 10th amendment to the German Competition Act (GWB Digitalisation Act) entered into force. A key new provision (Section 19a GWB) enables the Bundeskartellamt to intervene earlier and more effectively, in particular against the practices of large digital companies. Based on this new provision the authority has already initiated proceedings and made initial decisions against Facebook/Meta (see press release of 28 January 2021, 4 May 2022), Amazon (see press release of 18 May 2021) and Apple (see press release of 14 June 2022)