Google Maps under probe in Europe

London: Germany's competition regulator on Tuesday initiated a proceeding against Google and its parent company Alphabet to examine possible anti-competitive behaviour by Google Maps against rival map services providers.

The probe by the Federal Cartel Office (FCO) against Google Maps is initiated under tougher abuse laws which have applied to Google's business in Germany since January this year. "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," Andreas Mundt, President of the FCO in a statement.

"We will now examine whether this practice could allow Google to further expand its position of power regarding certain map services," Mundt added.

Under the new tougher laws, the authority can prohibit companies of paramount significance for competition across markets from engaging in anti-competitive practices.

"We will also look into the licensing terms and conditions for the use of Google's map services in vehicles. We are also conducting or have already concluded further proceedings against Google and other large digital companies like Apple, Amazon and Meta/Facebook," the FCO informed.