Spanish competition regulator CNMC has accused Apple and Amazon of dragging their feet on complying with antitrust rules for almost two years. The action is also accused of being deliberate.
The latest investigation from the agency shows that the two technology giants failed to remove the anti-competitive clause in a timely manner. In fact, this alleged monopoly was discovered several years ago.
Launching from 9to5mac, CNMC found a secret agreement to limit the sale of Apple products to official retailers on the Amazon site. As a result of this anti-competitive practice, the two were fined 194 million euros or around Rp. 3.8 trillion.
The fine was imposed because the two companies were found to have blocked more than 90 percent of independent retailers selling Apple and Beats devices. In addition, Amazon limited advertising space for Apple's competitors when users searched for certain products on their site.
Although Apple and Amazon appealed the fine, the order to remove the illegal clause still applies. However, regulators found that the two technology giants only complied with the rules correctly in May last year.
The delay of almost two years triggered a new case separate from the first antitrust case. CNMC stated that there were indications of serious violations because the order to stop the practice was ignored for a long time.
After the CNMC issued the accusation, Apple told Reuters that it had always complied with the instructions of the relevant authorities. Apple also denied restricting competition because they only wanted to prevent the circulation of counterfeit products.
On the other hand, Amazon also expressed its disapproval of the latest findings of the CNMC investigation. They plan to appeal because they feel that limiting exposure to small and medium sellers will harm their business interests.
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