Italian anti-trust regulators pay Apple, Amazon more than $ 225M | Technology News

The regulator has ordered Amazon and Apple to lift restrictions on retail competition and give retailers the opportunity ‘without discrimination’.

The Italian Security Council has fined Apple and Amazon $ 200 million ($ 225m) in a bid to ban competition for the sale of Apple and Beats products in violation of European Union rules.

Research has found that the content of the 2018 agreement between U.S. technology giants reduces access to the Amazon market in Italy for selected retailers, the Italian Competition Authority said Tuesday.

The regulator fired Apple with a fine of 134.5 million euros ($ 151.32m) and Amazon with a fine of 68.7 million euros ($ 77.29m). It also ordered them to lift the ban and give retailers the opportunity “without discrimination”.

Both Apple and Amazon said they have appealed.

“The fines imposed on them are unlimited and unfair,” Amazon said. “We reject the ICA’s idea that Amazon benefits by excluding retailers from our store, because our business depends on their success.”

Apple said it respects the Italian Competition Authority “but we hope there is nothing wrong”.

Partnering with selected retailers enhances customer security because it ensures that things are real, Apple said.

“Non-reality offers low awareness and is often dangerous,” Apple said. “To ensure our customers’ purchases are realistic, we work closely with our retailers and provide teams of experts around the world who work with law enforcement, customs and retailers to ensure that Apple’s real estate is sold.”